Overview
- The trial opened in Brest without Captain Chen Zhangjie present, with prosecutors requesting one year in prison, a €150,000 fine, and an arrest warrant, and the court deferring its decision to March 30.
- The defense argued French courts lack jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and contended there was no refusal to comply because the captain awaited instructions from the shipowner.
- Two Moran Security Group contractors were aboard to monitor the crew and gather intelligence, including one reported to have worked with Wagner, having boarded near Saint Petersburg and later disembarked at Suez.
- The tanker repeatedly changed identity, briefly flew a Benin flag that authorities said was invalid, now sails under a Russian flag as Phoenix, and was tracked near Rizhao, China.
- Investigators suspect a link to Danish drone disruptions in September without established proof, as France steps up actions against the sanctions‑evading ghost fleet and an EU push for new measures was blocked by Hungary.