Two Russian men employed by the private security firm "Moran Security Group" were reportedly detained on the oil tanker "Boracay," where they were involved in monitoring the crew and collecting intelligence. This incident has come to light following reports from CNN, which cited Western and Ukrainian intelligence sources, suggesting that Russians had been spying in European waters while working covertly on vessels transporting Russian oil.

The "Boracay" is said to belong to a fleet of oil tankers that are circumventing Western sanctions imposed due to Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine. French authorities boarded the ship in September, where they briefly detained the captain and the first mate, after which the vessel was allowed to continue its journey. As the situation unfolds, the captain, a Chinese national, is scheduled to face trial in Brest, western France, on Monday.

The implications of this incident are significant, as it highlights ongoing tensions and espionage activities in European waters amidst sanctions on Russia's oil trade. The presence of Russian operatives on such vessels could complicate diplomatic relations further and raises questions about maritime security and intelligence operations in a region already fraught with geopolitical strife.