Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Chinese Captain Sentenced for Oil Smuggling Amid Sanctions

3/30/2026

28 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Brest court in France sentenced Chen Zhangjie, the Boracay's Chinese captain, in absentia to one year in jail for failing to stop the vessel.
The Boracay, believed to be transporting Russian oil in violation of Western sanctions, was boarded by the French navy in September.
Chen Zhangjie was fined 150,000 euros.
Two security-firm employees were aboard, drawing condemnation from Vladimir Putin.

1 of 1

Story summary

A Brest court in France sentenced Chen Zhangjie, the Boracay's Chinese captain, in absentia to one year in jail for failing to stop the vessel.
The Boracay, believed to be transporting Russian oil in violation of Western sanctions, was boarded by the French navy in September.
Chen Zhangjie was fined 150,000 euros.
Two security-firm employees were aboard, drawing condemnation from Vladimir Putin.