Sweden transfers Russian ship with stolen grain to Ukraine

Sweden’s Supreme Court has cleared the way for the cargo vessel Caffa to be transferred to Ukraine, establishing a potentially significant precedent for ships accused of trading stolen commodities from Russian-occupied territory.

The court refused the owner permission to appeal, leaving earlier decisions by the Ystad District Court and the Court of Appeal in force. Swedish media reported that it was the first time a court outside Ukraine had approved the handover of a vessel linked to the export of stolen Ukrainian grain.

The 4,337 dwt Caffa was intercepted by Swedish authorities off Trelleborg on March 6 while sailing from Casablanca to St Petersburg.

The vessel claimed to be registered in Guinea, but Swedish authorities suspected it was operating under a false flag and using fraudulent documents. Its classification had been withdrawn by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping in June 2025.

Ukrainian investigators subsequently asked Sweden to seize the ship under international legal-assistance legislation.

Prosecutors alleged that the Caffa had called at Russian-occupied Sevastopol, loaded approximately 3,000 tonnes of Ukrainian barley and transported the cargo to Syria.

Sweden’s courts concluded that the vessel, documents, a hard drive and a USB device could be important to the Ukrainian investigation or become subject to forfeiture. Judges also ruled that the seizure was proportionate given the seriousness of the alleged offences and the ship’s numerous safety deficiencies.

Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha described the decision as an important international precedent in efforts to combat sanctions evasion and Russia’s clandestine shipping operations.

The vessel has remained moored at Trelleborg, although its crew of 11, most of whom were reported to be Russian, were permitted to return home.

Ukraine has previously confiscated and sold ships seized within its own jurisdiction, but the Swedish ruling could encourage Kyiv to pursue more vessels when they enter countries willing to enforce Ukrainian court requests.

It also increases the legal risk for owners, managers and operators involved in voyages to Crimean ports, even when the ships subsequently trade far from Ukrainian waters.