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The vessel SMYRTOS was intercepted on Sunday morning, June 14, in a move that has been described by the Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis as a blow to 'Putin's illegal war'

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after the armed forces and National Crime Agency boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel.

The man, an Indian national, has been arrested on suspicion of suspected sanctions offences under the Russia Regulations. The vessel SMYRTOS was intercepted on Sunday morning, June 14, in an operation that was the first of its kind.

The seizure has been described as a blow to "Putin's illegal war" and lauded by Prime Minister Keir Starmer who paid tribute to those involved.

In a post on X, National Crime Agency said: "This morning, NCA officers worked alongside partners such as the British Armed Forces to board and seize the SMYRTOS — a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker intercepted in the English Channel.

"A 38-year-old Indian national man has now been arrested by NCA officers on suspicion of suspected sanctions offences under the Russia Regulations. He has been taken into custody, where he will be interviewed by NCA investigators. Our investigation continues."

The military operation, which lasted six hours, was supported with aircraft from the Maritime Air Group (Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat), an RAF P-8 aircraft, as well as HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.

"I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said: "Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel and all those involved.

"Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war."

The SMYRTOS will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the South Coast of England and will be monitored for any environmental or safety concerns, according to the government

The Prime Minister agreed in March that British Armed Forces and law enforcement officers were able to board shadow fleet vessels, in accordance with international law.

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