A preliminary investigation into “a serious regulatory offence” has been launched and the cargo will be detained, added Rakshit.
Robin Lardot, head of the Finnish National Criminal Police, said authorities have registered a criminal report for aggravated vandalism, and will need to thoroughly investigate the seabed.
According to them, the investigation is still in early stages. A prosecutor has been appointed to the case.
Lloyd’s List, British publication analyzing maritime traffic, has categorized Eagle S as part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
In a subsequent press conference, PM Orpo said that “more means are needed to stop shadow fleets.” He emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation among the Baltic States, as well as with NATO and the EU.
“Everything is a result of [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and its financing with the shadow fleet,” Orpo said.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said in a post on X that he was briefed on the matter by the police and the border guard. “The risks posed by vessels belonging to the Russian shadow fleet must be countered,” he wrote.
The incident follows several disruptions in the Baltic Sea in recent months, including a broken internet cable between Finland and Germany, and another one between Finland and Sweden.
