⚓️🇪🇪 Estonia detains cargo ship over smuggling suspicions

Oneliner

Estonian authorities have detained a Bahamas-flagged cargo ship suspected of smuggling from Ecuador to Russia. The operation, involving the Tax and Customs Authority, Police, and Navy, took place in Estonian waters. The vessel, not part of the sanctioned 'ghost fleet', is currently under inspection. This action highlights Estonia's commitment to border security and combating smuggling.

Key points

• Estonian authorities detained a Bahamas-flagged cargo ship suspected of smuggling from Ecuador.
• The operation involved the Tax and Customs Authority, Police, and Navy in Estonian waters.
• The vessel was en route to St. Petersburg, Russia, and is not part of the sanctioned 'ghost fleet'.
• Ongoing inspections are being conducted under national supervision.

Links

• Europa Press: Estonia detiene a un carguero que se dirigía a Rusia por sospechas de contrabando
• ABC: Estonia detiene a un carguero que se dirigía a Rusia por sospechas de contrabando desde Sudamérica

Facts

• The cargo ship was detained on 4 February 2026.
• The operation involved the Tax and Customs Authority, Police, and Navy.
• The vessel was en route from Ecuador to St. Petersburg, Russia.
• The ship is not part of the 'ghost fleet' used to evade sanctions.

Quotes

• There are grounds to believe the vessel may have been used for smuggling — Tax and Customs Authority

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