French Court Sentences Chinese Captain in Shadow Fleet Case

A French court has sentenced the Chinese captain of a suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker to one year in prison and issued an international arrest warrant, marking a significant escalation in Europe’s efforts to crack down on vessels bypassing sanctions on Russian oil.

Captain Chen Zhangjie, 39, was tried in absentia in Brest after failing to appear in court, as he remains at sea. The case relates to his refusal to follow orders from the French navy to stop the tanker Boracay for a flag verification boarding in international waters off western France in September 2025. In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a €150,000 fine.

Incident at Sea

At the time of the encounter, the Boracay was sailing without a visible flag and was suspected of transporting Russian crude to India in breach of Western sanctions. About an hour after being contacted by French authorities, the crew raised a Benin flag. However, officials in Benin had already confirmed that the vessel was not registered under their flag.

The captain later explained the delay, stating: “It was raining and you don’t put up a flag when it’s raining,” during questioning while in custody.

Despite the lack of compliance, French forces proceeded with the boarding, taking control of the vessel and escorting it to Saint-Nazaire for a detailed inspection.

Additional Findings

During the inspection, authorities discovered two individuals linked to a Russian private security company onboard. They were reportedly present to represent Russian interests and collect intelligence.

The vessel has also been associated with unexplained drone activity over Denmark, which disrupted operations at Copenhagen Airport and nearby military sites during the ship’s passage through the Danish Straits. However, no formal link has been confirmed.

Ongoing Developments

The tanker has since been renamed Phoenix and is now sailing under the Russian flag. At the time the court delivered its ruling, the vessel was transiting the Strait of Malacca en route to the Russian oil port of Kozmino.

Chen’s legal representative criticized the decision, calling it “absolutely incomprehensible” and confirming plans to appeal. The defense argued that France does not have jurisdiction, as the boarding took place in international waters.

Wider Context

The European Union currently lists 598 vessels as part of a suspected shadow fleet barred from accessing European ports and maritime services. France has taken a leading role in recent months in enforcing measures against these vessels as part of broader sanctions efforts.