Swedish authorities have intercepted a cargo vessel off the country’s southern coast, suspecting it to be part of Russia’s so‑called shadow fleet and involved in transporting stolen Ukrainian grain. Armed police boarded the 96‑metre ship Caffa near Trelleborg on Friday as it sailed toward Saint Petersburg after departing Casablanca on 24 February.
Daniel Stenling, acting head of operations for the Swedish Coast Guard, said the vessel is listed under Ukraine‑related sanctions and believed to have been used repeatedly to move grain taken illegally from Ukraine. He added that investigators have confirmed the ship was sailing under a false flag. Although registered in Guinea, that registration “is in fact false,” he said.
A majority of the 11 crew members are Russian nationals, according to Stenling. The Russian embassy in Stockholm said it had been notified that 10 of the crew were Russian citizens and stated it was prepared to provide consular assistance if needed.
One crew member is under investigation for violations of maritime safety and seaworthiness regulations, though authorities have not disclosed the individual’s identity or role on board. Stenling said early investigative steps have only strengthened concerns about “extensive maritime safety deficiencies” on the vessel.
The Swedish Transport Agency is now set to inspect the ship to determine whether it is fit to continue its journey.
The Caffa is believed to be part of Moscow’s expanding shadow fleet vessels with opaque ownership structures used to evade Western sanctions. Stenling warned that such ships pose growing risks at sea, often operating without proper certification, insurance or clarity about crew qualifications.
The seizure comes amid rising international concern over Russia’s covert maritime operations. Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiga publicly thanked Sweden for its action.
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