Italy Intercepts Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Near Pantelleria Under EU Mission
The Italian navy boarded the tanker Toa Payoh, linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet', in international waters off Pantelleria as part of EU Operation IRINI to verify its nationality and flag; the vessel, sailing under Cameroon colors after departing Cotonou, Benin for Istanbul, was inspected with a Greek ship and a Polish aircraft, in a two-hour operation that concluded with routine checks and is under review by Italian authorities.