Image: Українські Національні Новини (УНН)

French Court Sentences Chinese Captain of Boracay Shadow Fleet Tanker

30 March, 2026.Russia.10 sources

Key Takeaways

Chinese captain Chen Zhangjie of Boracay sentenced in absentia to one year in prison
Arrest warrant issued; fined €150,000
Boracay boarded by French navy in September; tied to Russia's shadow fleet

Captain Sentenced In Absentia

A French court sentenced Chen Zhangjie to one year in prison and fined him €150,000.

“France hands captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker one-year jail sentence A French court on Monday sentenced in absentia the captain of a suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker to one year in jail for failing to comply with orders to stop his ship”

France 24

The sentence was delivered in absentia as Chen was at sea.

France 24

The Boracay was carrying Russian oil in violation of Western sanctions.

Failed To Comply With Inspection

The French navy boarded the Boracay after it was found sailing without a clearly marked flag.

The captain refused to comply, forcing the military to perform a dangerous maneuver.

Le Monde.fr

The vessel raised a false Benin flag, which was not registered.

Russian Security Operatives On Board

Two employees of a Russian private security company were on board.

“In France, a Chinese citizen, Chen Zhanjie, the captain of the Boracay tanker, which was part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," was sentenced to a year in prison”