British Royal Navy commandos and police officers seized control of the Russian-linked tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel on Sunday morning, following a six-hour operation. The interception was conducted with support from the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Ministry of Defence confirmed the action, stating that specially trained police officers also participated. The vessel is reportedly part of a “phantom fleet” of Russian tankers used to circumvent sanctions. Details surrounding the reasons for the interception remain limited, but the operation signals heightened scrutiny of Russian-linked shipping activity. The British Prime Minister has officially announced the successful operation. Further investigations are underway.