Story perspectives

Madagascar, Zimbabwe Alert IMO to Vessel Fraud Crisis

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Madagascar and Zimbabwe alerted the International Maritime Organization about false flag operations.
Madagascar reported nine tankers falsely claiming its flag, with 25 vessels listed in the Equasis database.
Zimbabwe denied that Range Vale is registered in the country.
Range Vale has switched flags multiple times and is currently anchored off Egypt.
Ruby Cross also falsely claims Zimbabwe’s flag, and Cameroon suspended vessel registrations due to fraud concerns.

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Story summary

Madagascar and Zimbabwe alerted the International Maritime Organization about false flag operations.
Madagascar reported nine tankers falsely claiming its flag, with 25 vessels listed in the Equasis database.
Zimbabwe denied that Range Vale is registered in the country.
Range Vale has switched flags multiple times and is currently anchored off Egypt.
Ruby Cross also falsely claims Zimbabwe’s flag, and Cameroon suspended vessel registrations due to fraud concerns.