Sweden’s Highest Court Backs Transfer of Seized Ship to Ukraine
Sweden’s Supreme Court has confirmed that the cargo vessel Caffa, which was seized earlier this year in the Baltic Sea, can be handed over to Ukrainian authorities. The decision marks the end of the vessel owner’s legal appeal and clears the way for the transfer as part of an ongoing Ukrainian investigation into the suspected illegal movement of grain from Russian-occupied regions.
The ruling finalizes earlier court decisions that found the ship’s seizure to be lawful under Swedish legislation.
Vessel Linked to Alleged Illegal Grain Transport
The Caffa was detained by Swedish police and coast guard officials in March after authorities alleged it was sailing under a false flag and failed to meet maritime safety standards due to concerns over its seaworthiness.
Ukraine has requested custody of the vessel as evidence in an investigation examining whether grain was transported unlawfully from territories currently under Russian occupation. Swedish courts have determined that the alleged actions under investigation could fall within the scope of war crimes under Swedish law, making legal cooperation with Ukraine possible.
Appeal Rejected, Transfer Can Proceed
The ship’s owner challenged the seizure, seeking to overturn previous court rulings. However, Sweden’s Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal, leaving the Court of Appeal’s decision in force and making it legally binding.
The vessel, owned by Caffa Shipping Limited, reportedly had a crew of 11 members at the time of its seizure, with most of them identified as Russian nationals.
The decision is viewed as an important legal development in international cooperation involving investigations into alleged crimes connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the movement of goods from occupied territories.
