Estonia seized a oil tanker linked to the Russian 'shadow fleet.'

Estonia detained a Russian-linked oil tanker near Tallinn for allegedly violating maritime law. The Kiwala, which authorities claim is part of Moscow's "shadow fleet," had been sanctioned by the EU and other countries.

A Russian-linked oil tanker was detained by Estonian authorities just outside Tallinn on Friday. This is the first incident in which the Baltic country has directly targeted the Kremlin's "shadow fleet." The vessel named Kiwala was reported to be operating under the flag of Djibouti. However, it was caught without flying a flag, which constitutes a violation of maritime law. Although the crew presented a certificate, the Djibouti maritime authority stated it could not find Kiwala in its national registry. Veiko Kommusaar, Deputy Director General of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), said, "Vessels like this are actually not allowed to operate. Estonia exercised its right to detain the vessel for inspection." Kommusaar also mentioned that Kiwala has been sanctioned by the EU. Allegedly, the vessel is also sanctioned by Canada, Switzerland, and the UK. The ship was heading towards Russia's Ust-Luga port. It is suspected that the vessel, part of Moscow's "shadow fleet," was carrying Russian oil to evade sanctions. Kiwala will be under the protection of three naval vessels until inspections are completed. Kommusaar stated, "It is no secret that a number of vessels have emerged operating in the Gulf of Finland without proper documentation over the past year." He added, "It can be clearly stated that this vessel is part of the shadow fleet that uses the Baltic Sea for transporting goods and is banned." The owner of the vessel is reported to be Tirad Shipping, a Mauritius-based company that operates only one ship: Kiwala.