According to international media, the new Iranian leader may have been injured in U.S. and Israeli raids. Neither Tehran nor...
Read More
International-News
Russia spies on Europe from the sea
Russia spies on Europe from the sea using ghost fleet tankers and security operatives. The hybrid war sees Moscow gathering intelligence, monitoring European ports, and deploying former Wagner personnel
Russia spies on Europe from the sea, exploiting a so-called “ghost fleet” of oil tankers. Despite international sanctions, these vessels depart from the Baltic or Black Sea carrying crude oil, while also conducting surveillance missions. According to CNN, crews often include surprise additions of Russian personnel, sometimes with official passports and security or military backgrounds, who monitor operations and collect intelligence.
The ghost fleet and Moran Security
At the heart of these operations is Moran Security, led by Vyacheslav Kalashnikov, a former Russian intelligence officer. The company employs mercenaries and personnel previously affiliated with the Wagner Group and was sanctioned by the United States in 2024. Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that the presence of such operatives on the tankers has become routine over the past six months, including photographing European military installations and overseeing ship captains to ensure compliance with Kremlin directives.
The Boracay tanker case
The Boracay tanker exemplifies the ghost fleet’s operations. Following sanctions, the ship repeatedly changed its name and flag. On 20 September, it departed Primorsk with an Asian crew and two Russian “technicians,” one a former agent with Wagner experience. Between 22–24 September, it sailed along the Danish coast during a drone disruption at Copenhagen Airport. The vessel was later intercepted off the coast of Brittany, where French authorities detained the Chinese captain for irregularities, despite the ship flying the Benin flag.
Implications for European security
According to Western sources, the ghost fleet is a key element of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy, gathering intelligence and testing Europe’s response without direct attacks. The deployment of Russian military personnel on ostensibly commercial tankers poses a significant risk, making maritime and port security a top priority for NATO countries.
THE LATEST NEWS
Mojtaba Khamenei’s Reported Sexual Orientation Draws Attention in U.S. Intelligence Briefings
16 Marzo 2026
U.S. intelligence reportedly informed President Donald Trump that Mojtaba Khamenei may be gay, according to the New York Post, amid...
Read More
Susie Wiles diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, Trump announces
16 Marzo 2026
The White House chief of staff has chosen to begin treatment immediately while remaining active in her duties, according to...
Read More
Iranian missile attack on Jerusalem: debris falls near Holy Sepulchre and Knesset
16 Marzo 2026
Fragments from intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles landed near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the National Library and close to...
Read More
Trump Calls Naval Coalition but Fails to Gain Support on Strait of Hormuz
15 Marzo 2026
U.S. appeal for ships to pressure Iran receives cautious responses from allies as more than 2,000 vessels remain blocked and...
Read More
Oscars 2026: 98th Academy Awards Begin Tonight in Los Angeles
15 Marzo 2026
Conan O’Brien hosts the Oscars with new Best Casting category and special tributes planned The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is...
Read More
(Photo: © AndKronos)
