Swedish authorities have arrested the Chinese captain of a vessel boarded over suspicions it is part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, used to evade Western sanctions.
The vessel, identified as the Jin Hui, was boarded by Sweden’s coast guard on Sunday after it was suspected of operating under a false Syrian flag. The move is part of a series of recent inspections targeting ships believed to be linked to sanction evasion.
According to Swedish officials, the ship is listed under sanctions imposed by the European Union, Britain, and Ukraine.
The prosecution authority confirmed on Monday that the captain, a Chinese national, had been taken into custody.
He was arrested “on suspicion of using a forged document” and for breaching maritime regulations relating to “lack of seaworthiness”, the authority said.
“An interrogation of the detainee will be held during the day, and contact has been initiated with other authorities and countries,” said prosecutor Adrien Combier-Hogg, who is leading the investigation.
Russia’s “shadow fleet” is believed to consist of ageing vessels with unclear ownership structures, often operating without proper insurance, raising safety and environmental concerns.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as Sweden continues efforts to clamp down on sanction violations in its waters.
