KOCATEPE

During the enforcement of the G7 and EU embargoes and the price cap on russian oil and petroleum products, this tanker has been actively engaged in the export of russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products, primarily from russian ports in the Black Sea. Its operations have included deceptive and high-risk practices such as disabling Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, engaging in dark activities near russian ports, and conducting ship-to-ship (STS) transfers in the vicinity of Cyprus after departing from russian ports with tankers believed to be part of the russian shadow fleet.
In February and April 2023, the tanker (IMO 9274666) was involved in the export of russian petroleum products – over 34,000 and 32,000 metric tons, respectively – from the russian port of Tuapse, home to a production facility comprising the Tuapse Oil Refinery and maritime terminal operated by the sanctioned PJSC "NK "Rosneft" (ПАО "НК "Роснефть"). The consignor of the cargo was the sanctioned russian entity PJSC "NK "Rosneft"; the recipients were Voliton DMCC and Guron Trading Limited, respectively.
In March 2025, after departing from the port of Tuapse, the tanker conducted STS transfers in the vicinity of Cyprus with tankers IMO 9198290 and IMO 9424651, both of which are considered part of russia’s shadow fleet and have been under sanctions since May 2025.
In June 2025, after arriving from the vicinity of Tuapse – where it had conducted dark operations – the tanker conducted another STS transfer near Cyprus with tanker IMO 9299159.