Swedish Coast Guard Boards Tanker Jin Hui Over Suspected False Flag

The Swedish Coast Guard, together with the Police Authority, boarded the Syrian-flagged tanker Jin Hui in the Baltic Sea on May 3 as part of an investigation into suspected seaworthiness violations and the alleged use of a false flag. Authorities said the 182-metre-long tanker, which is listed under multiple international sanctions regimes including the EU and UK, was intercepted while transiting toward the Baltic Sea. The vessel’s destination remained unclear. According to the Coast Guard, several irregularities linked to the vessel’s flag status raised concerns over compliance with international maritime regulations. Prosecutors are now leading the preliminary investigation. The vessel may be ordered to anchor south of Trelleborg while investigations continue.