Sweden frees Sea Owl 1 tanker after false-flag probe in Baltic

Swedish authorities have released the tanker Sea Owl 1 and ordered it to depart Swedish waters, concluding an investigation into suspected false-flag operations, sabotage against Baltic Sea infrastructure, and sanctions evasion. The initial detention, which began in April 2026, has been cleared, removing a potential security threat. The basis for the initial detention and specific violations remain largely undisclosed.