Overview
- Belgian forces boarded the Guinea-flagged Ethera during Operation Blue Intruder in the Belgian EEZ near midnight and escorted it to Zeebrugge for seizure.
- Federal prosecutors opened a criminal investigation after inspectors reported indications of a false flag and likely forged documents, with the captain being questioned under the Belgian Navigation Code.
- French Navy NH90 helicopters provided air support, Belgian special operations troops secured the ship, and officials said 93 personnel and the patrol vessel BNS Pollux took part; Belgium also cited its NH90s and an MQ‑9B as key assets.
- French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the action as a “major blow” to the shadow fleet, Ukraine’s leaders urged wider crackdowns and legal changes to enable confiscation, and Belgian officials warned of potential diplomatic fallout as Russia sought details.
- Ethera has been on EU and U.S. sanctions lists and was linked by the U.S. Treasury to a network tied to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, as Europe steps up at-sea enforcement following France’s January detention of the Grinch, which was later released after fines.