The French authorities have announced the release of the Grinch, a Russian tanker linked to a shadow fleet, after the vessel's owning company paid a fine. The ship was detained in January near the Gulf of Fos, close to the Port of Marseille-Fos, under suspicion of sailing under a false flag. The Marseille prosecutor's office confirmed that the release followed a guilty plea from the owning company, though the specific amount of the fine has not been publicized.

The Grinch was initially detained with support from the UK on January 22, when French officials discovered that the tanker was operating under false documentation. This incident underscores ongoing scrutiny of maritime activities linked to Russia, particularly in the context of Western sanctions aimed at the country due to its actions in Ukraine. The vessel's ties to the shadow fleet raise concerns over the methods used to bypass sanctions and operate clandestinely in global waters.

The release of the Grinch not only reflects the legal proceedings undertaken by French courts but also highlights the complex international maritime regulations in place to prevent illicit trade and ensure compliance with sanctions. As global tensions and maritime security issues continue to evolve, the actions taken by French authorities serve as a reminder of the heightened vigilance against potential violations of international law and sanctions enforcement against Russia.