“France Frees ‘Grinch’ Tanker After Hefty Fine”

France has recently released a tanker suspected of being involved in Russia’s sanctions-dodging activities, known as the “Grinch,” following the payment of a hefty fine by its owner. The vessel was intercepted by French forces and their partners while en route from Russia, and was subsequently escorted to a harbor near Marseille after being boarded between Spain and Morocco last month. Ship tracking platforms confirmed that the tanker, flying a Comoros flag, has now departed French waters after settling a fine of several million euros and enduring a costly three-week immobilization in Fos-sur-Mer, as announced by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.