Finland restricts seven crew members of Russian shadow fleet tanker from leaving

Finnish police have banned seven crew members of the Eagle S tanker from leaving the country. They could have damaged four underwater cables in the Baltic Sea, stated Elina Katajamäki, an investigator at the Central Criminal Police Department, according to Yle.

“The travel ban is a less restrictive measure than arrest and detention, which is applied because the police are interested in ensuring the pre-trial investigation and that the persons involved remain available during the investigation,” Katajamäki stated.

She also noted that the number of individuals subject to the travel ban may change.

Criminal law professor Matti Tolvanen emphasized that the travel ban indicates police have grounds to suspect the crew’s involvement in aggravated vandalism.

Additionally, the crew members could face arrest if they attempt to violate the travel ban.

Cable damage in the Baltic Sea

Earlier, it was reported that the Estlink 2 cable between Finland and Estonia was broken.

In the area where the cable was damaged, the Russian shadow fleet vessel Eagle S was spotted. It could have severed the cable with its anchor.

Finland decided to detain the tanker. It is now in one of the Finnish ports.