A 38-year-old Indian national has been arrested after British authorities intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel during what the UK described as its first operation of this kind.
The arrest followed a six-hour operation carried out in the early hours of June 14 by Royal Marine Commandos and officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA).
The operation was supported by Chinook, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters, an RAF P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
According to the NCA, the Indian national was arrested on suspicion of sanctions offences under UK Russia Regulations and has been taken into custody for questioning.
The agency said 24 Georgian and Indian crew members remain aboard the tanker and are assisting investigators. The vessel, Smyrtos, is currently anchored off the Dorset coast.
Video released by the UK Ministry of Defence showed Royal Marines fast-roping from a Chinook helicopter onto the vessel before carrying out searches alongside
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