Following its engine failure and anchoring off Höganäs, the Russian freighter Adler—owned by EU- and US-sanctioned M Leasing LLC—was boarded by Swedish Customs, Coast Guard, police, and Security Service. After a 10-12 hour cargo inspection, the prosecutor declined to open a sanctions violation probe, permitting the ship to leave Swedish waters.
The inspection of Adler began shortly after 1:00 a.m. Sunday, involving experts from multiple agencies to check for goods from third countries entering the EU and document potential criminal activity. "There is a reason to act quickly here; you don't want the ship to dispose of evidence," said Hans Liwång, professor of defense systems at the Swedish Defence University, emphasizing heightened Baltic Sea vigilance amid Russia's war in Ukraine.
The operation, which would have occurred regardless to mitigate risks like environmental hazards, concluded with the case referred to prosecutors. "I have been informed that the prosecutor will not start a preliminary investigation," confirmed Martin Höglund, Tullverket spokesperson. Customs deemed the check warranted given the sanctions linked to North Korean ammunition transport.
Late Sunday evening, Adler departed northwest, trailed by a Coast Guard vessel. The government monitored closely: "The government has been in close contact with our authorities," stated Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin (M). Cargo details remain classified.
