Cameroon confronts fraudulent flag use by ‘ghost fleet’ tanker Tagor
The tanker Tagor, originating from Murmansk and suspected of falsely displaying a Cameroonian flag, was intercepted on May 31 approximately 400 nautical miles west of Brittany before being redirected to France for further investigation.
The vessel known as the Tagor encountered an interception on May 31, roughly 740 kilometers (400 nautical miles) west of Brittany, amidst suspicions of illegally flying a Cameroonian flag. This tanker, which had set sail from Murmansk, Russia, and was reportedly en route to Limbe, Cameroon, underwent a nationality verification at sea, conducted under the authority of Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Following this procedure, the French Navy escorted the vessel, diverting it to France.
Yaoundé denounces illicit use of its national flag
In a formal announcement broadcast on public radio, Cameroonian Transport Minister Jean Ernest Masséna Ngalle Bibehe emphatically stated that the Tagor is “not listed in any of the official registers of vessels authorized to display the Cameroonian flag.” He rigorously condemned “the fraudulent and abusive utilization of Cameroonian national attributes,” calling upon “the international community to implement stringent measures against such illicit practices.” Yaoundé also reiterated its dedication to “the ongoing process of purifying and modernizing its flag registry,” reflecting a commitment to strong governance Africa-wide.
This official declaration aims to unequivocally disassociate Cameroon from any links to a vessel identified as part of the “ghost fleet” by maritime authorities – a network of ships often employed to facilitate the clandestine maritime transport of sanctioned oil onto global markets. The incident underscores the inherent vulnerabilities of national flag registries to actors intent on circumventing international oversight mechanisms, a critical issue for African politics and maritime security.
France’s fourth interception since September 2025
Maritime authorities indicate that the interception of the Tagor represents the fourth such operation by French forces targeting this shadowy fleet since September 2025. Following thorough inspections, the case has been escalated to the Brest public prosecutor’s office, which holds jurisdiction over maritime affairs.
Since June 2, the vessel has remained anchored in the tranquil bay of Douarnenez, situated in the Finistère department, pending the progression of a judicial investigation. The increasing frequency of these maritime interceptions signals a notable intensification of European controls aimed at disrupting oil export channels that attempt to bypass international sanctions regimes.
