Ukraine to Prosecute Captain Who Transported Grain for War Crimes
Ukraine’s Security Service and Prosecutor General’s Office reported they are proceeding with the case against a Russian captain accused of controlling a ship transporting stolen grain from Crimea. The captain was charged in absentia, with media reports noting it is the first time Ukraine has charged a captain with a war crime for their role in the export of grain.
Several similar cases have been filed, and Ukraine has even seized a few smaller cargo ships on charges of entering the closed ports of occupied Crimea or transporting grain and other materials out of the region. Last month, they reported an investigation into the cargo ship Matros Pozynich (IMO 9573816) and the master, Mykola Telagin, age 54, a Russian citizen, who, it says, was controlling the vessel.
“According to the investigation, the grain export was carried out by the decision of the top political leadership of the aggressor country. Such actions violate the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the theft of property in occupied territories,” said the SBU.
They said the investigation confirmed that the vessel, which is owned by a Russian company, had transported more than 54,000 tons of grain that they assert was taken from Ukrainian farmers. One shipment of over 27,000 tons was transported in November 2022, and the second load consisting of 27,300 tons was transported in January 2023.
Both shipments were taken out of Crimea and delivered to Latakia in Syria. The SBU says the investigation indicated that the captain periodically turned off the AIS transmission system and transmitted inaccurate information about the vessel’s location. They assert the wheat was presented as if it had come from Russia.
Investigators of the Security Service informed the captain in absentia of the charges on suspicion of a violation of the laws and customs of war and violation of the procedure for entering and leaving the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine with the aim of causing harm to the interests of the state, committed by an organized group.
Built in 2010, the bulker, which is 28,351 dwt, is registered in Russia. The ship was reported sold in 2022 to Russian interests, with its flag moved from the Marshall Islands to Russia.
Investigators said they are continuing to dig into the case and are looking for further accomplices. In a separate development, they also reported on October 19 that two individuals had been arrested in Odesa on charges of aiding Russia to transport stolen grain through the Port of Mariupol for sale to third countries.
In this second case, they report the two individuals helped Russia hide the origin of stolen agricultural products worth over $1.3 million. The report alleges that in 2024, the smugglers loaded 7,857 tons of Ukrainian wheat onto the sanctioned vessel Alpha M in the port of Mariupol. From there, they report the stolen cargo was transported to the port in the city of Temryuk, Krasnodar Territory, where fictitious documents were issued stating that the grain was of Russian origin. After that, the agricultural products were delivered to the Middle East for further sale through a local exporting company.
During searches of their homes and the company's office, computer equipment, mobile phones, documentation, and forged laboratory reports containing evidence of crimes were reportedly discovered. The two individuals were placed in detention and face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
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Top photo by Vadik Che from 2025 - courtesy of Vessel Finder
