The EU's IRINI mission, led by Italy, inspected a tanker belonging to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" on Sunday to verify its nationality and flag registration.
That is according to a statement posted on the website of Italy's Ministry of Defense, Ukrinform reports.
The ministry said that the tanker Toa Payoh, which is under EU sanctions and was flying the Cameroonian flag, was intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea, west of the Italian island of Pantelleria. It had departed from Benin and was heading to Istanbul.
"This operation once again provides significant evidence of Italy's contribution to security in the Mediterranean and to the efforts of the European Union," Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.
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