Despite tough sanctions against the export of crude oil and petroleum products, Russia manages to pour billions into its war chest.

How is this possible? How do Russian tankers manage to operate undisturbed on the world's oceans, despite global trade restrictions? And what role do dubious letterbox companies, manipulated ship transponders and opaque trade routes play in this?

Using exclusive footage and interviews as well as leaked documents, the film reveals how Russia is circumventing sanctions with the help of a large shadow fleet. And the situation is only getting worse: Russian tankers are also allegedly involved in the destruction of undersea cables.

But Russia isn’t alone in profiting from this trade. International companies and service providers also make money from the shadow operations -- often at the expense of both people and nature.

In the report, relatives of missing sailors, experts on ship manipulation and politicians who are calling for stricter controls and even tougher sanctions have their say. Will the West succeed in stopping the shadow fleet and cutting off the flow of money that is fueling Putin's war?
 

Broadcasting Hours: 

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FRI 08.08.2025 – 01:15 UTC
FRI 08.08.2025 – 04:15 UTC
SAT 09.08.2025 – 13:15 UTC
SUN 10.08.2025 – 19:15 UTC
MON 11.08.2025 – 09:15 UTC
MON 11.08.2025 – 16:15 UTC
MON 11.08.2025 – 21:15 UTC
WED 13.08.2025 – 12:15 UTC

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