CNN Investigation: Russia's Shadow Fleet Used for Espionage in European Waters

Russian Shadow Fleet and Espionage

• 🕵️ Russia is allegedly using its shadow fleet of oil tankers for espionage in European waters, not just to evade sanctions.
• 💡 Western and Ukrainian intelligence sources claim Russian personnel are conducting espionage, including photographing European military installations.

Moran Security Group Involvement

• 🛡️ The men on board these ships reportedly belong to the Moran Security Group, a private maritime security company sanctioned by the US.
• 🔗 Ukrainian intelligence suggests Moran Security Group is connected to and coordinated by Russian special services and military intelligence.
• 🎯 Their tasks include monitoring non-Russian captains and covert information gathering during vessel routes.

Ship Tracking and Personnel

• 🚢 A specific crude oil tanker, the Borake, was tracked using shipping data and satellite imagery.
• 🇷🇺 Two Russian individuals, listed as technicians but identified as contractors, were on board the Borake, with one reportedly a former Wagner Group member.
• ✈️ Mysterious drones were sighted over Danish military bases concurrently with the Borake's passage, though the ship's management denies any connection.

International Scrutiny and Denials

• 🇫🇷 French authorities detained the Borake for lacking nationality proof, and questioned the two Russian men, who were later released.
• 🇮🇳 The ship eventually sailed to India to unload Russian oil.
• 🗣️ Moran Security's deputy director denied confirming the men's employment and called the drone launch suggestion "crazy," refusing to comment on spying allegations.
• 🌐 The Kremlin stated they have no information regarding the investigation.