French authorities have uncovered evidence of Russian security agents aboard a "shadow fleet" tanker seized last September. Sources indicate two men, employed by the private Russian firm Moran Security Group, were tasked with monitoring the crew and gathering intelligence. The vessel, the Boracay, is believed to be part of a fleet used to transport Russian oil and gas, circumventing Western sanctions.
One of the agents, aged 34, is a former police officer with ties to the Wagner paramilitary group. The other is 40. Moran Security Group itself was founded by former Russian FSB security service officers. Their objective was to "ensure the protection of the vessel and, above all, to make sure the captain strictly followed the orders given in line with Russian interests," a French source revealed.
The tanker has also been linked to mysterious drone flights over Denmark, part of alleged Kremlin hybrid warfare operations. The Chinese captain of the Boracay faces trial in absentia in Brest, France, accused of refusing to comply with orders. The presence of the Russian nationals was confirmed by the captain's lawyer, who stated they "represented the cargo" and were not sailors.