Russia30 March, 20261 min read
French Court Sentences Chinese Captain of Boracay Shadow Fleet Tanker
Chinese captain Chen Zhangjie of Boracay sentenced in absentia to one year in prison Arrest warrant issued; fined €150,000
Captain Sentenced In Absentia
A French court sentenced Chen Zhangjie to one year in prison and fined him €150,000. The sentence was delivered in absentia as Chen was at sea. 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. 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. They were representing Russian interests and gathering intelligence. The Boracay has been linked to drone incidents over Denmark.
Captain's Lawyer To Appeal
The lawyer argued the case should be tried in China. He planned to appeal the conviction. The EU lists 598 vessels as part of the shadow fleet.