Mercenary guards on Russian tankers replaced by loyal captains, investigation finds

Russia seems to be altering its strategy for evading Western oil sanctions by replacing mercenary security personnel on its shadow fleet tankers with loyal Russian captains. An international investigation, which examined crew lists from more than 2,000 vessels between 2023 and 2026, indicates a notable absence of former mercenaries in these roles.

Previously, reports suggested that Russia had deployed former mercenaries as security guards on its shadow fleet to oversee and direct crew operations. These individuals were reportedly tasked with ensuring the smooth functioning of the fleet, which operates outside traditional maritime regulations and insurance frameworks to circumvent sanctions.

However, the latest findings from a collaborative journalistic project reveal that these security personnel have largely disappeared from the crew lists of Russian oil tankers since the spring. This suggests a tactical shift by Moscow, potentially aiming for greater control and loyalty within the crews managing these sanctioned oil shipments.

The move could be an attempt to consolidate command and reduce reliance on potentially less controllable mercenary elements, opting instead for captains with direct ties to Russia. This adaptation highlights Russia's ongoing efforts to maintain its oil exports despite international sanctions.