Italy seizes bulk carrier in suspected Russian sanctions breach

Italian financial authorities have detained a bulk carrier in the port of Brindisi on suspicion of violating European Union sanctions targeting Russia, according to Italian finance police Guardia di Finanza.

The vessel, carrying around 33,000 tonnes of ferrous metal, has been detained in the port of Brindisi.

The seizure relates to restrictive measures adopted after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Court approved the seizure of both the vessel and its cargo.

The Italian financial police launched an inspection upon arrival, prompted by irregularities detected in the ship’s import declaration.

According to the police, inspections uncovered “serious inconsistencies” and alleged “falsifications” in the ship’s onboard documentation, as well as attempts to evade tracking systems.

Authorities