03.08.2026 10:44
Italy's Ministry of Defense announced that Italian soldiers carried out an inspection by boarding a suspected oil tanker linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet' via helicopter. It was reported that a Greek warship and a Polish patrol aircraft also supported the operation, and the tanker was intercepted during its voyage from the West African country of Benin to Istanbul.
Italy's Ministry of Defense announced that a naval mission operating under Italian leadership within the European Union (EU) conducted an operation against an oil tanker alleged to be linked to Russia's "shadow fleet."
HELICOPTER BOARDING
In a statement from the Ministry, it was stated that the tanker named "Toa Payoh," flying the flag of Cameroon and listed on the EU sanctions list, was intervened upon to verify the vessel's flag registration. The statement said that the ship's captain initially refused to cooperate, whereupon Italian military personnel boarded the tanker via a helicopter launched from the Thaon di Revel, serving as the flagship under the "EUNAVFOR MED" (European Union Naval Force Mediterranean) Operation Irini, and conducted an inspection.
FORCES FROM TWO COUNTRIES ALSO SUPPORTED THE OPERATION
In the statement, it was noted that a Greek warship and a Polish patrol aircraft also supported the operation, and it was stated that the intervention lasted approximately 2 hours and concluded safely.
IT WAS HEADING FROM BENIN TO ISTANBUL
It was reported that the tanker was intercepted while on its voyage from Benin, a West African country, to Istanbul. No statement was made regarding whether any crew members were taken into custody during the intervention.
A source familiar with the operation stated that the ship was registered under the Cameroonian flag last week and that the EU naval mission operating under Operation Irini does not have the authority to seize vessels during such inspections.