Trelleborg, Sweden – Swedish authorities have detained a cargo ship, the Caffa, suspected of transporting stolen Ukrainian grain. The vessel was intercepted on Friday, March 6, 2026, near the southern Swedish city of Trelleborg, according to officials.
The Caffa, which was flying under a Guinean flag, is believed to be part of a “shadow fleet” and is currently under investigation for potentially operating under false pretenses. Swedish police boarded the ship and are examining its cargo and documentation. The detention highlights ongoing concerns about the illicit trade of Ukrainian agricultural products since the start of the conflict.
According to Daniel Stenling, the acting head of operations for the Swedish Coast Guard, the ship is listed on Ukraine’s sanctions list. “The vessel is sailing under a false flag, It’s registered in Guinea, but this registration is actually false,” Stenling stated.
The ship departed Casablanca, Morocco, on February 24, 2026, and was en route to St. Petersburg, Russia. The Russian embassy in Stockholm has confirmed that ten crew members are Russian citizens and has offered to provide consular assistance if needed.
One crew member is currently being investigated for violating maritime code. Stenling also noted a growing problem with vessels disregarding maritime law. The development underscores the challenges in enforcing sanctions and preventing the flow of stolen goods.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha praised Sweden’s intervention, emphasizing the importance of collective measures against such vessels to ensure safety and environmental protection in Europe. HNonline reports that the ship’s registration details are disputed.
The Caffa changed its flag from Russian to Guinean in 2025, but further details about the vessel remain scarce. SME.sk notes that if confirmed to be a stateless vessel, it would lack legal protection and could be stopped and inspected by virtually any nation. TA1.sk adds that authorities suspect the ship of carrying stolen grain.
Further reporting from SME.sk indicates that Swedish police are investigating whether the vessel is stateless.
