The French navy boarded and seized the Comoros‑flagged tanker Grinch in the western Mediterranean on January 22, after it sailed from Murmansk; French maritime authorities say it is suspected of flying a false flag and belonging to Russia’s sanctions‑evading “shadow fleet,” with UK and other allied navies supporting the operation. Russia’s embassy in Paris complained that France had not informed it of the boarding, saying diplomats are now checking whether any Russian citizens are among the crew so consular assistance can be provided.