Working Conditions Aboard the Vetluga

On June 4, 2023, a Swedish court ruled in favor of prosecutors, permitting the seizure of the vessel 'Caffa' under serious allegations of grain theft from Ukraine's occupied territories. This landmark decision marks a significant moment, as Ukraine’s Prosecutor General praised it as the first instance where an international judicial body has responded affirmatively to Ukraine's appeals for accountability against vessels infringing sanctions. The move to seize 'Caffa' originated from Ukrainian authorities’ request filed on March 12, with claims that the ship continuously violated entry and exit regulations for areas under occupation since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Sweden’s prosecutors initiated the seizure on April 29, resulting in the Ystad District Court's ruling that allowed for the vessel’s handover to Ukraine. This ruling was particularly noteworthy, considering the court concluded that the actions of the Caffa equated to war crimes under Swedish law. Notably, the Swedish Coast Guard intercepted the Caffa on March 6, suspecting it was operating under a false registry, purportedly flying the flag of Guinea. Following the interception, the vessel was directed to an anchorage near Trelleborg, where it has remained pending further investigations into maritime law and safety regulation violations. Additionally, Ukraine requested Sweden to conduct a thorough search of the ship for evidence, interview the captain and crew, and execute an arrest of the vessel. Following this directive, Swedish authorities promptly acted to interrogate the crew, the majority of whom were Russian nationals. Initially owning by Russian interests, the Caffa's ownership has since transitioned to a corporation based in the Seychelles, raising further questions about its operations. The vessel has faced scrutiny, with Turkey conducting a Port State inspection in April 2025 that revealed 11 deficiencies related to its engines, firefighting equipment, and navigational plans. These inspections followed additional deficiencies noted in inspections from 2024 and a previous Russian inspection in 2023. Although the captain was arrested on charges of presenting misleading documents, he was subsequently released due to insufficient evidence of his knowledge regarding the falsified paperwork. Ultimately, the remaining 11 crew members were also allowed to leave the ship, as they were not implicated in any criminal activities.

On May 11, 2023, Swedish law enforcement took decisive action by executing a prosecutor's order to seize the cargo vessel 'Caffa'. The ship was directed to dock at the port of Trelleborg, where it was officially impounded pending court proceedings. Authorities are managing the situation with the crew members, many of whom are from outside the Schengen Area. Currently, the 'Caffa' is empty and will undergo a thorough inspection by police officials. This measure follows concerns regarding its registration status and safety issues previously identified by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). The vessel is not to be released until it can prove valid registration and rectify any safety deficiencies. Furthermore, Ukraine has put forth a request for the 'Caffa', which is believed to be linked to the clandestine Russian shadow fleet, to be surrendered to its control. The final decision regarding the ship's fate now rests with the district court, which will determine the outcome of this significant legal matter.

On April 30, 2023, Swedish authorities carried out the official seizure of the vessel 'Caffa' at the behest of a foreign nation seeking legal assistance. This decisive action stems from serious allegations that the ship had been transporting stolen grain from Ukraine while masquerading under a false Guinean flag. As part of a widening international investigation, officials have noted that significant evidence points to the 'Caffa' being involved in the illegal smuggling of Ukrainian grain, prompting immediate scrutiny. The ship, which was en route to St. Petersburg, Russia, had a crew of 11, with most members identified as Russian nationals. Notably, one of the crew members has been charged with breaching maritime regulations, specifically for the use of fraudulent documentation, further complicating the situation. Currently, the 'Caffa' remains in the custody of Swedish authorities while the investigation unfolds and a court ruling is awaited. This ruling will determine the fate of the vessel and whether it will be returned to the country that filed the request. Ukranian officials have reacted positively to this development; Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, expressed that this act sets a significant precedent in combating maritime crime related to the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the captain of the 'Caffa', who had been arrested, has since been released back aboard the ship, as the situation continues to develop.

In a significant development, the captain of the 'Caffa' has been released after authorities dropped the suspicions against him. Initially detained on charges of potentially possessing false documents, including certificates indicating that the vessel was flagged in Guinea, the proceedings took a turn during extensive investigations. Senior prosecutor Adrien Combier-Hogg concluded that the evidence against the Russian national was insufficient to maintain the charges, leading to his release. Despite the captain's claims of ignorance regarding the authenticity of the documents, the ship remains anchored off the coast of Trelleborg. The Swedish Transport Agency had previously imposed a sailing ban on the 'Caffa' due to various issues including concerns over its seaworthiness and the legality of its flag status. These problems encompass deficiencies in ballast water management, bilge water control systems, and overall safety measures. Consequently, clearance for the vessel to set sail remains unaltered despite the lifting of the captain's detention. Meanwhile, the nearby vessel, 'Sea Owl 1', has shown signs of the crew actively working to rectify its own operational deficiencies. In a broader context, Sweden, along with other European nations, is intensifying efforts against the Russian shadow fleet operating in Europe, with multiple ships already boarded by authorities from France and Belgium.

The captain of the 'Sea Owl I,' a Russian national, has had his detention extended until April 10 due to allegations of using fraudulent documentation, a serious offense. Despite his objections, the Malmö District Court upheld the prosecutor's request for continued custody. This incident occurred after law enforcement and the Coast Guard boarded the tanker outside Trelleborg on March 12. Notably, the 'Sea Owl I' is currently listed on the EU's sanctions list and has recently been involved in transporting oil products between Russia and Brazil. Furthermore, just six days prior, authorities boarded another vessel, the bulk carrier 'Caffa,' which also has a Russian captain currently in custody for similar charges. As of March 27, both vessels were reported to be anchored in close proximity to each other off the coast of Trelleborg. For more details, a report with accompanying photo can be found at Aftonbladet.

The crew aboard the 'Caffa', currently held off Trelleborg, is reportedly facing a dire situation as they run low on essential supplies, including food and fresh water. This alarming scenario was highlighted in an urgent communication from the Russian Consul General in Stockholm, who urged Swedish authorities to take immediate action to facilitate access to necessary provisions, citing international regulations. In contrast, Swedish officials have previously indicated that no barriers exist preventing the vessel from receiving supplies. Currently, the crew has only received minimal assistance from the Seamen's Church in Malmö, while an Estonian company has expressed readiness to deliver much-needed supplies to the detained ship. The 'Caffa' was boarded by the Swedish Coast Guard on March 6, under suspicion of being part of the Russian shadow fleet. Since the boarding, the captain has been detained and faces allegations related to breaches of maritime and safety regulations, as well as the use of fraudulent documentation.

In a significant enforcement action, the Swedish Transport Agency has imposed a sailing ban on the vessel 'Caffa' following the discovery of serious deficiencies onboard. As a result, the ship is prohibited from continuing its journey until the necessary corrections are made. Currently, 'Caffa' remains anchored off the coast of Trelleborg, where it has been since March 16, positioned at 55° 20' N 013° 05' E. The situation has drawn the attention of the Swedish patrol vessel 'KBV 003' (IMO: 9380465), which is monitoring the area and the nearby seized tanker 'Sea Owl I'. This decision underscores the agency's commitment to maritime safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

As of March 13, the vessel 'Caffa' remained anchored in position 55° 20' N 013° 05' E, just off the coast of Trelleborg, Sweden. The Swedish Coast Guard has been actively following legal directives from a prosecutor during an ongoing preliminary investigation concerning the ship. While the Coast Guard is no longer detaining the 'Caffa', it is currently under an international sailing ban imposed by the Swedish Transport Agency. This ban prevents the vessel from departing the port or anchorage until necessary deficiencies are remedied and the Agency certifies the ship's compliance with safety regulations. Leading the investigation is the appointed prosecutor, who holds the authority to determine subsequent investigative actions. Arrested on the evening of March 7, the master of the 'Caffa', a Russian national, faces serious allegations of utilizing a false document—a significant crime in maritime law. At the time of the incident, the 'Caffa' had recently transported a cargo of grain, which had been discharged prior to its interception. On March 12, the Coast Guard also boarded another vessel, the 'Sea Owl I' (IMO: 9321172), as it was heading towards Russia, further highlighting ongoing scrutiny of maritime operations in the region. For more details, including photographs, you can visit the Swedish Coast Guard's official news pages.