The tanker Tagor, sailing from Murmansk with a false Cameroonian flag, was intercepted on May 31 roughly 400 nautical miles west of Brittany. French naval forces verified its legitimacy under maritime law before escorting it to French waters for further investigation.

The vessel, reportedly bound for Limbe in Cameroon, was operating under a flag not listed in Cameroon’s official registry. Authorities suspect it belongs to the so-called ghost fleet—a network of ships used to bypass international sanctions by transporting sanctioned oil.

Yaoundé denounces fraudulent flag misuse

Transport Minister Jean Ernest Masséna Ngalle Bibehe strongly condemned the misuse of Cameroon’s flag, stating the vessel does not appear in any official registry. He called for international action against such fraudulent practices and reaffirmed efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime oversight.

This incident underscores the risks posed by shadowy shipping networks exploiting weak flag registries to evade global sanctions.

France’s fourth interception in under a year

Maritime authorities confirmed the Tagor’s interception as part of a broader crackdown on illicit oil transport. It marks the fourth operation targeting ghost fleet vessels since September 2025.

The tanker has remained anchored in the Bay of Douarnenez since June 2 while a judicial investigation unfolds. The case has been referred to the Brest prosecutor’s office, which specializes in maritime crimes.

European authorities are tightening controls on shadowy oil routes to prevent sanctioned cargo from reaching global markets.