Russian "shadow fleet" tankers are reportedly using a new method to spoof their Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, showing vessels in two locations simultaneously. According to the Financial Times, this tactic aims to conceal real routes and reduce the risk of attacks. Researcher Ollie Ballinger identified at least 12 sanctioned tankers employing devices to transmit false coordinates.

Ballinger found that while tracking systems indicated the ships were stationary, they were actually covering hundreds of kilometers. Six tankers recently transmitted dual sets of coordinates—real and fake—simultaneously. This new method was reportedly used during passage through the Bosphorus Strait, where Turkish authorities require AIS activation. The Financial Times links this scheme to concerns over attacks on vessels transporting Russian oil circumventing Western sanctions.