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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.

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