Ukrainian authorities have detained a general cargo ship sailing under the Tanzanian flag, on suspicion of transporting grain stolen from Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.
The vessel was intercepted on the Danube River near the Port of Reni as it was reportedly en route from Moldova to the Turkish Port of Gemlik.
According to Ukrainian officials and independent monitoring groups, the Anka, previously known as Victoria and managed by Istanbul-based Sima Shipping, was identified as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”.
This network of vessels is allegedly used to export grain and other commodities from occupied Ukrainian regions in violation of international sanctions.
Ukrainian investigators assert that at the end of 2024, the Anka loaded approximately 5 000 tonnes of wheat at the Port of Sevastopol in Crimea, a territory currently under Russian occupation, before attempting to deliver the cargo to foreign markets.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy coordinated the operation, detaining both the vessel and its crew.
Ukrainian authorities claim to have found physical evidence on board, including documentation and navigational records, confirming the illegal export of Ukrainian agricultural products.
A pre-trial investigation is under way, and the crew remains in custody while legal proceedings continue.
The seizure of the Anka underscores Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russia’s exploitation of Ukrainian resources and highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle affecting global grain markets.
Ship seizures of this nature remain rare, but Kyiv has vowed to intensify its crackdown on vessels involved in the illicit trade of Ukrainian grain from occupied territories.
