On December 21, Sweden’s customs authorities reported that they had boarded a Russian freighter, the Adler, which had anchored in Swedish waters after experiencing engine trouble. The inspection commenced with assistance from the Swedish Coast Guard and local police during the early hours of Sunday. Customs officials confirmed that the inspection is ongoing but have not disclosed any findings from the vessel.
The Adler’s owners are listed on the European Union’s sanctions list, raising concerns about the ship’s activities. Martin Hoglund, a spokesperson for the customs authority, noted that the company M Leasing LLC, associated with the Adler, is also subject to U.S. sanctions due to suspicions related to arms transport, according to OpenSanctions, a database tracking sanctioned entities.
The freighter, a 126-meter roll-on, roll-off container carrier, is currently anchored off Hoganas in southwest Sweden. Having departed from St. Petersburg on December 15, customs officials have no information regarding its intended destination. The situation highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny surrounding vessels tied to sanctions, emphasizing the importance of compliance in maritime operations.
