# French seizure of Russian shadow fleet tankers > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/french-seizure-of-russian-shadow-fleet-tankers > Updated: 2026-10-14T12:31:49.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 2. The French Navy has begun intercepting vessels suspected of being part of the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ used to bypass international energy sanctions. On October 12, French forces intercepted the oil tanker DF Peak (formerly known as the Kaliningrad) in the Indian Ocean, approximately 450 nautical miles south of Reunion Island. While the vessel was flying the flag of Benin, French military inspections identified document irregularities. The 110,000-ton tanker is listed on the European Union sanctions list and is suspected of operating under a false identity to evade restrictions on Russian fuel exports. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the interception, stating that France is committed to combating the ‘ghost fleet’ globally. Following the boarding, the ship was diverted under French Navy escort toward an anchorage near Reunion Island for judicial verification and analysis of its cargo and financial records. The Russian Embassy in Paris condemned the seizure, describing it as ‘piracy’ and a violation of international law, while noting investigations into whether Russian citizens are among the crew. By October 13, the French military reportedly seized an additional tanker suspected of belonging to the same Russian shadow fleet. On October 14, further details emerged regarding the DF Peak, a 244-meter vessel that has undergone multiple identity changes, previously operating as the NS Captain. Authorities are investigating whether the use of the Beninese flag constitutes maritime fraud and an infringement on Benin’s sovereignty. Due to the ship’s failure to emit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal, the prefecture of Réunion has established security perimeters around the tanker, prohibiting navigation within a 1,000-meter radius during transit and a 500-meter radius while anchored in La Possession bay. The 21 crew members have been detained for 48 hours pending further investigation. ## Claims - The French Navy intercepted the oil tanker DF Peak more than 450 nautical miles south of Reunion Island. (corroborated by 26 sources) - An inspection of documents confirmed suspicions of irregularities regarding the ship's flag. (corroborated by 24 sources) - France is determined to fight the Russian 'ghost fleet' used to bypass sanctions. (corroborated by 24 sources) - The DF Peak was previously known as the Kaliningrad. (corroborated by 24 sources) - The DF Peak is on the European Union sanctions list. (corroborated by 23 sources) - The DF Peak is currently flying the flag of Benin. (corroborated by 21 sources) - There are currently more than 700 ships on the European sanctions list. (corroborated by 20 sources) - French President Emmanuel Macron announced the interception of the DF Peak. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The Russian embassy in Paris condemned the seizure of the tanker as piracy and a violation of international law. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The DF Peak is an oil tanker with a capacity of 110,000 tons. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-14: French Navy intercepts Russian tanker DF Peak near Réunion The French Navy intercepted the DF Peak, a sanctioned Russian tanker suspected of using a fraudulent Beninese flag to evade international sanctions near Réunion. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-navy-intercepts-russian-tanker-df-peak-near-runion ### 2026-10-12: French Navy intercepts DF Peak tanker in Indian Ocean The French Navy intercepted the DF Peak, an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s 'ghost fleet,' south of Réunion. The vessel is under investigation for using a false flag to bypass international fuel' 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-navy-intercepts-suspected-russian-ghost-fleet-tanker --- Cite as: French seizure of Russian shadow fleet tankers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/french-seizure-of-russian-shadow-fleet-tankers