CARUZO

The tanker has been implicated in the export of russian crude oil and petroleum products from ports in the Baltic Sea since October 2023, during the period of the G7 and European Union (EU) oil embargo and the price cap policy on russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products. The vessel has engaged in deceptive and high-risk practices, including dark activities in the Kerch Strait area. In October 2024, it conducted ship-to-ship (STS) transfers in the Kerch Strait with the tankers IMO 9212008 (designated by the United States), IMO 9211999 (designated by the United States), and IMO 9476771, affiliated with a russian company.
In 2024, under the command of Captains Alexander Grigoriev, Ivan Shashin, and Alexander Peregrudov, the tanker transported crude oil and petroleum products from the russian ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk to India, Turkey, and China.
The international NGO Greenpeace has identified the vessel as part of the shadow fleet transporting russian oil globally and posing environmental risks. According to United Against Nuclear Iran, the tanker has been involved in the export of Iranian oil and in the carriage of designated russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products.
The vessel is affiliated with the Moldovan company KSN Shipmanagement SRL, one of ten Moldovan companies that have played a significant role in maritime transportation of russian oil, subsequently transferring management of their tankers to companies in Azerbaijan, while some vessels were transferred to the management of companies in the United Arab Emirates.
On 9 May 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker as part of measures targeting the russian shadow fleet, citing its involvement in activities intended to destabilise Ukraine, undermine or threaten its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or independence, benefit from or support the Government of the russian federation, and participation in the transportation of russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products, including shipments from russia to third countries.
On 20 May 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on the tanker, effective 21 May 2025, for transporting crude oil and/or petroleum products originating in, or exported from, the russian federation while employing irregular and high-risk shipping practices, as defined in International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
On 3 June 2025, sanctions imposed by Switzerland on the vessel entered into force.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.