Sweden Seizes Cargo Ship Caffa Over Suspected Sanctions Violations

Swedish authorities have seized the drybulk vessel Caffa and detained one crewmember after a boarding operation off Trelleborg.

The Swedish Coast Guard said armed police boarded the 96-meter vessel using a helicopter and patrol boat after tracking it under suspicion of sailing with a false Guinean flag. Officials believe the ship may also be linked to the transport of stolen Ukrainian grain.

The 1997-built cargo vessel reportedly sailed from Casablanca toward St. Petersburg and is alleged to have changed its flag from Russian to Guinean in 2025. Authorities said registry records indicate the vessel may be stateless.

One crewmember has been detained on suspicion of forged documents and maritime safety violations, while the vessel is undergoing a port state inspection.

Ukrainian authorities previously alleged the ship loaded grain in Sevastopol, Crimea, cargo Kyiv considers illegally taken from occupied territory.

Investigations remain ongoing and Swedish prosecutors are considering potential fines or criminal charges.