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Europe’s Confrontation with Russia’s Sanction-Evading Fleet

As Europe implements sanctions against Moscow, a trend has emerged of an increasing number of ships navigating European waters without a legitimate flag, originating from Russia.

In the western Baltic, a coastguard officer contacts a nearby oil tanker that is subject to sanctions, requesting information from the crew.

A coastguard looks into the distance next to an image of an oil tanker — The BBC joined coastguards on the front line of Europe's uneasy standoff with Russia's so-called "shadow fleet"

The officer's voice comes over the radio, "This is the Swedish Coastguard, we'd like to ask you a few questions, please respond."

Despite the static-filled connection, a crew member provides the ship's insurance details, flag state, and last port of call, which was Suez, Egypt.

Swedish investigator Jonatan Tholin speculates that the tanker is likely headed to Russia to load oil.

This interaction represents the frontline of Europe's efforts to monitor and regulate Russia's "shadow fleet," a network of hundreds of tankers used to circumvent the price cap on Russian oil exports.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Western countries imposed sanctions on Russian energy, which Moscow has attempted to evade by using aging tankers with unclear ownership and insurance.

Some of these "shadow" ships are suspected of engaging in undersea sabotage, launching illicit drones, or falsifying their location data.

Three men in the Swedish coastguards uniform sit at the control desk of a ship. Two on the outside are sitting down while the man in the middle is standing and speaking on the phone. — European coastguards and navies are regularly coming in contact with vessels in Russia's shadow fleet which they suspect are transporting oil

At sea, where freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle, coastal countries' ability to intervene is limited, despite the escalating risks.

According to the BBC's findings, a growing number of "shadow" ships are operating without a valid national flag, rendering them stateless and often uninsured.

This trend is concerning, as many of these vessels are in poor condition, described by Windward AI's senior maritime intelligence analyst Michelle Wiese Bockmann as "floating rust buckets." In the event of an accident, such as a major oil spill, it would be challenging to hold anyone accountable.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) database indicates that the number of falsely flagged ships worldwide has more than doubled this year, exceeding 450, with most being tankers.

The BBC has been tracking a ship that appears to be operating without a valid flag.

Estonia's navy head, Commodore Ivo Värk, reports that his country has seen dozens of such vessels pass through its waters this year, a significant increase from previous years.

Commodore Ivo Värk wears a white shirt with epaulets and a tie with a pin. Behind him is the Estonia flag on a desk and a ships wheel mounted on the wall behind a desk. — The head of Estonia's navy, Commodore Ivo Värk, says that vessels travel back and forth, past Estonia, to major Russian oil terminals

Commodore Värk expresses concern about this trend, noting that it is happening openly, as we discuss the issue in his office overlooking the Gulf of Finland, a key route to major Russian oil terminals.

He suggests that the brazen nature of these actions is alarming, stating, "There's no attempt to conceal it."

Using the MarineTraffic app, we locate the tanker Unity, which is sailing towards us from over 100 miles away.

As we board an Estonian Minehunter, also used in Nato's Baltic Sentry patrols, we observe Unity's journey eastward.

The BBC's investigation into Unity's history provides insight into the life of a "shadow" ship.

Tracking data reveals that Unity has passed through the English Channel four times in the last 12 months, including trips between Russian ports and India, a major oil customer that has not adhered to the price cap.

Originally named Ocean Explorer, the tanker was built in 2009 and flew the Singaporean flag for over a decade.

In 2019, the ship was mentioned in a UN report for its alleged involvement in a ship-to-ship transfer with a sanctioned vessel that had transported fuel to North Korea, a country also accused of utilizing "shadow" ships.

By late 2021, the vessel, then known as Ocean Vela, had changed its flag to the Marshall Islands, but was later removed from the registry in 2024 due to sanctions imposed by the UK on its operator and beneficial owner.

Since 2021, the tanker has had three name changes (Beks Swan, March, and Unity) and three flag changes (Panama, Russia, and Gambia), while retaining its unique IMO number.

In August, Unity claimed to be flying the flag of Lesotho, which was deemed "false" as the country does not have an official registry.

The BBC attempted to contact Unity's listed owner, FMTC Ship Charter LLC, a Dubai-registered company, but received no response.

A map showing Unity's journey to and from Russian oil ports Ust-Luga and Murmansk. The ship then takes different routes through European waters before travelling through the Suez canal and then heading in the direction of India. — Over the past year, Unity has made several voyages to and from Russian oil ports

According to Windward AI, the beneficial owners of 60% of "shadow fleet" vessels remain unknown due to opaque ownership structures.

Frequent name and flag changes have become a characteristic of the "shadow fleet," allowing ships to evade detection.

Michelle Wiese Bockmann notes that some vessels have been purged from reputable registries and are now using low-quality alternatives, or in some cases, not bothering with flags at all.

Unity's most recent journey took it through the North Sea in late October before entering the Baltic, passing countries including Sweden and Estonia, where we tracked it.

By November 6, the tanker was anchored outside the Russian port of Ust-Luga, where it remains at the time of this report.

Unity was added to the UK and EU's list of sanctioned vessels earlier this year, yet it continues to operate despite facing various challenges.

In January, the tanker reportedly sought shelter in the English Channel due to mechanical issues during a storm, and in August, it was detained at a Russian port over technical problems and unpaid wages.

Unity is one of hundreds of vessels subject to UK and EU service and port bans, as both London and Brussels aim to increase pressure on the Kremlin.

A satellite image of a coastline which is surrounded by vessels — At the time of publication the vessel was anchored just outside the major Russian oil port, Ust-Luga

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Russian revenues from crude and oil product sales reached $13.1 billion in October, a decrease of $2.3 billion compared to the same month last year.

An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air found that "shadow" tankers, either sanctioned or suspected, account for 62% of shipped Russian crude oil exports, with China and India being the largest customers, followed by Turkey and the European Union.

While politicians discuss taking tougher action, navy and coastguard officers note that a country's authority to act diminishes as you move further out to sea.

The right of innocent passage remains a fundamental principle of maritime law, but stateless vessels are not entitled to this right.

Countries like France, Finland, and Estonia have detained ships in cases where a crime is suspected, but such actions are relatively rare.

Commodore Ivo Värk argues that the complexity of the situation, combined with the risk of escalation due to Russia's proximity to Estonian borders, makes it challenging to take drastic measures regularly.

The Estonians speak from experience, having dealt with the challenges of monitoring and regulating "shadow" ships in their region.

Unity, a long oil tanker at sea. — Unity sailing under a former name, Ocean Explorer

According to Commodore Värk, Russia's response to an attempted interception of a flagless tanker in May included a brief deployment of a fighter jet, and the country has maintained a consistent naval presence of around two vessels in the Gulf of Finland since then.

Concerns about potential escalation are accompanied by worries about commercial repercussions if a more assertive approach is taken, highlighting the complexities of the situation.

A Nato official, speaking anonymously, noted that suspicious activity occurs daily in the Baltic region, but emphasized the importance of cautious monitoring, stating that the act of tracking ships can serve as a deterrent in itself, rather than resorting to more aggressive measures.

The principle of freedom of navigation is crucial to the functioning of global economies, underscoring the significance of maintaining open and secure sea routes.

On the bridge of the Swedish coastguard ship, a radio communication with a sanctioned tanker has come to a close, marking the end of a brief exchange.

The officer on board expresses gratitude for the tanker's cooperation as the vessel continues on its journey to Russia.

The entire interaction lasted approximately five minutes, a relatively brief period of time.

Investigator Jonatan Tholin suggests that these measures should be viewed in a broader context, explaining that the information gathered can be useful for maritime surveillance efforts, providing valuable insights for future operations.

Meanwhile, Windward's Michelle Wiese Bockmann observes that the international rules-based order appears to be eroding, as evidenced by the tactics employed by vessels attempting to circumvent sanctions.

With significant environmental and security implications at stake, Bockmann notes that the so-called "dark fleet" is becoming increasingly clandestine, posing a growing challenge to regulatory efforts.

The BBC reached out to the Russian embassy in London for comment, and a spokesperson responded by characterizing Western sanctions against Russia as "illegitimate" and detrimental to global commerce.

The embassy also disputed the labeling of ships used to export Russian oil as a "shadow fleet," calling it discriminatory and misleading, and attributed instances of invalid flags to minor administrative issues that can be easily resolved.

The spokesperson argued that the sanctioning countries have exacerbated the risks by creating a fragmented and restrictive regulatory environment, forcing shipowners and operators to navigate complex and challenging circumstances.

Additional reporting for this story was provided by Adrienne Murray, Michael Steininger, and Ali Zaidi.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

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Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie. — Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023. — Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

News

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests

The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.

In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) show a victory sign in front of a banner with Tarique Rahman’s photo, as the results project BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain — Tarique Rahman has been out of the country for 17 years. He has promised democracy will be restored

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.

As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.

In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.

Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.

Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.

This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.

During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.

The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.

Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.

In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".

Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.

Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.

The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.

Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.

The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.

As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.