"Today, the search on board the ship continued and crew members were interrogated. Following what emerged from these preliminary investigation measures, I have now decided to arrest the master on probable cause on suspicion of using a false document, a felony," says senior prosecutor Adrien Combier-Hogg in a press release.
More interrogations of the suspect are to be held this weekend. The prosecutor must decide by noon on Monday at the latest whether the man should be remanded in custody or released.
The ship was boarded on Thursday evening and a preliminary investigation was initiated into the use of a false document, a felony, and further violations of the Maritime Code.
On the EU sanctions list
The ship is on the EU sanctions list. In recent years, the ship, which flies the Comorian flag, has transported oil products between Russia and Brazil, according to the Coast Guard.
This is the second time in a short period that a ship has been boarded off the coast of Skåne.
Such serious deficiencies were found on board the bulk carrier Caffa that it has been placed under an international ban on use and remains outside Trelleborg. The master is in custody on suspicion of using a false document, a felony.
"Shipping should know that we maintain order at sea and act to increase safety for those who operate on our seas," said Daniel Stenling, deputy chief of operations at the Coast Guard, in a press release on Friday afternoon.
Ukraine praises
It is still too early to say whether the Swedish Transport Agency will decide on a ban on the use of the Sea Owl I, according to the Coast Guard.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha writes on X that he welcomes the boardings.
"We commend this forceful action. Russia's shadow fleet helps finance its war against Ukraine and threatens our European security. It must be met decisively and without hesitation," he writes.
