France releases ‘MT Tagor’ tanker after imposing €1m fine

6 July 2026

Oil tanker ‘MT Tagor’ (IMO 9282481) has been released from French custody, after the Maritime Court in Brest accepted a plea deal with the vessel’s owners. They have agreed to pay a fine of €1 million, and to list the vessel with a legitimate flag.

The tanker was seized by the French navy in May 2026 in the Atlantic Ocean, for flying a false Cameroonian flag while sailing from Russia to Cameroon. It was said to be part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’. The Tagor is the fourth vessel to have been released on the terms of a plea deal by France.

Mark Handley’s European Sanctions Enforcement blog keeps track of all vessels seized and released by EU Member States.