France Nabs Russian Shadow Tanker

French warships stopped the oil tanker Grinch as it sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar, between Spain and Morocco. Believed to be part of Russia's clandestine 'shadow fleet' that skirts international sanctions, the vessel was boarded and its cargo examined for illicit oil. French authorities say the seizure underscores growing scrutiny of maritime routes used to evade sanctions on Russian energy exports.

Shows how European navies are tightening checks on ships that may breach sanctions, affecting oil markets and compliance for shipping firms.

The action signals tougher enforcement of sanctions on Russian energy, which could tighten oil supplies and raise shipping costs for companies operating in the region and globally as.