Summary
A Russian warship called Boikiy used a fake identification signal while traveling through the English Channel with two oil tankers that are under sanctions. Investigators matched the ship’s identity using satellite images, tracking data, and video evidence. The warship traveled alongside two vessels from Russia's "shadow fleet," which often hide their ownership and transport sanctioned oil products.
Key Facts
- The Russian warship Boikiy used a fake ID signal in the English Channel.
- Boikiy is armed with guided missiles and disguised its identity during travel.
- BBC Verify matched the Boikiy’s ID using satellite images, tracking data, and video footage.
- The ship was accompanied by two oil tankers under international sanctions.
- These tankers are part of Russia's "shadow fleet," which secretly moves sanctioned oil.
- Recent Western actions against this fleet might have led Russia to use military escorts.
- The UK Royal Navy monitored Boikiy as it passed through the Channel.
- The ship left West Africa in June and was seen near the Canary Islands without broadcasting its usual identification signals.
