Italian authorities‍ seized a motor ​vessel and initiated investigations into⁣ its crew, owner, and importer for allegedly evading European⁢ Union​ sanctions against Russia. The vessel​ reportedly disabled its ‍transponder​ to conceal its location and activities near⁢ the Russian port of novorossiysk.

Seizure‍ of the Motor Vessel

italian financial police (Guardia di Finanza) seized the motor vessel following an ‌investigation into suspected violations of EU sanctions against russia. The vessel’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) ⁤- a tracking system used⁢ by ​ships ‌to identify ⁤themselves and provide their position, route, and speed – was allegedly deactivated near ​Novorossiysk, Russia.

The investigation reconstructed the vessel’s route despite attempts to obstruct the investigation through altered ⁣documentation and the disabling of the‍ transponder. ⁤The seizure was validated‍ by the ⁢investigating ‌judge in Brindisi ‌and⁤ afterward confirmed by ⁤the‍ Review Court.

EU Sanctions Against ⁤Russia

The alleged violations pertain to Community Regulation regarding sanctions imposed ⁤on the⁢ Russian Federation.​ These sanctions,⁢ initially implemented following Russia’s invasion of ukraine​ in ⁢February 2022, ⁤aim to restrict trade, finance, and ⁤technology transfers with Russia. The council of the European Union maintains a comprehensive list of ⁣sanctions, which are regularly‍ updated.

Specifically, Regulation (EU)⁤ 2022/368, ‍as ⁣amended, outlines the ⁢restrictive⁣ measures. ‌ The alleged evasion involves circumvention of these ⁣measures, potentially related to the import of sanctioned goods.

Guardia di Finanza ⁤Investigation

The Guardia‍ di Finanza‌ led the investigation, which involved reconstructing the vessel’s route despite the purposeful disabling of its transponder. This action is considered a deliberate attempt to evade geolocation and hinder oversight⁤ by competent authorities.

The commander of the vessel allegedly provided misleading statements during the ‍investigation. The importer, ⁣the vessel owner, and crew ⁣members are currently under investigation for collaborating to evade EU restrictive measures.⁢ As of January 17, 2026, the ⁢investigation is ongoing, ​with no further public ‍updates available regarding specific charges or potential trial dates.

Brindisi Investigating Judge & Review​ Court

The initial seizure of the motor vessel and‍ its‌ cargo was authorized⁢ by⁢ the investigating judge in Brindisi, Italy.This judicial validation confirmed the preliminary findings of the Guardia di Finanza investigation.

The Review ⁢Court subsequently upheld ‌the seizure, ⁣reinforcing the legal basis for the continued detention of the vessel‍ and its cargo. this indicates that the court found sufficient evidence to⁣ support the allegations of sanctions evasion.