Sweden seized the dry cargo ship Caffa in March 2026 for transporting stolen Ukrainian grain from Russian-occupied territories, marking a precedent in sanction enforcement against Russia's shadow fleet.

In March 2026, Swedish authorities detained and then confiscated the dry cargo vessel Caffa, which was illegally transporting Ukrainian grain stolen from Russian-occupied areas, notably loaded in Sevastopol in July 2025. The ship was intercepted near Trelleborg while traveling from Casablanca to Saint Petersburg under a false Guinean flag. Following an investigation into breaches of international law and sanctions, and a legal request from a foreign prosecuting authority, Sweden seized the vessel to facilitate possible transfer to another nation. Ukrainian officials highlighted this action as a milestone in practical sanctions enforcement against Russia's illicit shadow fleet, which attempts to integrate stolen goods into global markets through complex logistics. The Swedish coast guard, supported by police special forces, conducted the operation, evidencing increased legal and operational pressure on Russian illicit export schemes.