An investigation by Bellingcat has identified yet another Russian-flagged bulk carrier, Irtysh (IMO: 9664976), operating in defiance of Western sanctions by exporting grain from occupied Crimea to Houthi-controlled Yemen. 

Following the same pattern of deceptive methods used by other vessels involved in what Ukraine describes as “grain theft,” Irtysh disabled its location tracking en route to and from the Port of Sevastopol. The vessel also made a mandatory stop in Djibouti for inspection by the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) for Yemen before sailing on to the Port of Saleef, Yemen. 

The majority of UN member states have repeatedly voted against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. UNVIM told Bellingcat: “As a UN mandated body UNVIM does not have the authority to block shipments based on unilateral national or regional sanctions.” They added: “The UNVIM mandate is limited to verifying compliance with the UN Security Council resolutions related to Yemen.”

However, experts have previously highlighted to Bellingcat that even with the limitations of that remit the fact that grain shipments from occupied Ukrainian territories are passing through UN inspection mechanism creates an awkward situation.

By combining satellite analysis and Automated Identification System (AIS) data, Bellingcat has mapped Irtysh’s journey. During the investigation, two additional vessels were also identified with their tracking systems disabled while loading grain in Sevastopol: Matros Pozynich (IMO: 9573816) and Zafar (IMO: 9720263).

Just over a month after Irtysh was first seen loading grain at the Port of Sevastopol, Bellingcat identified another Russian vessel, Matros Pozynich, at the same berth. Previously identified by CNN in 2022 for exporting grain from occupied Ukraine, and by Bellingcat the following year, the vessel was docked at the Avlita grain terminal on Sept. 20.

Two days later, Matros Pozynich switched its AIS back on before sailing through the Bosphorus Strait, just as Irtysh had. With its hull sitting low in the water, the vessel was photographed passing through Turkish waters seemingly fully laden.

After calling at Djibouti, likely for inspection by UNVIM, AIS data shows the bulk carrier departing for Saleef, Yemen, on Oct. 8. At time of publication, Matros Pozynich remains in anchorage off the Port of Saleef, Yemen.

A third vessel, also previously implicated for smuggling grain, Zafar, was captured by satellite imagery with its AIS turned off at the Port of Sevastopol from Sept. 23.

At the time of publication, Zafar had not sailed to Yemen via Djibouti. Instead, it was anchored off the Port of Alexandria, Egypt – another known location for offloading grain from occupied Ukraine, according to OCCRP reporting.

“Grain Theft”

Ukraine has repeatedly tried to dissuade countries from purchasing shipments loaded with what it describes as stolen grain from occupied regions. 

The Port of Sevastopol and the Avlita grain terminal remain under European, UK and US sanctions. While no UN sanctions specifically target the port, a majority of UN member states have passed resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and of its occupation of Crimea since 2024. 

Both Irtysh and Matros Pozynich delivered grain to the Houti-controlled Port of Saleef via Djibouti – the UNVIM inspection point for Yemen. After ten years of war, the UNHCR reports that tens of thousands of people in Yemen are living in famine-like conditions, with a further five million people experiencing food insecurity.

UNVIM confirmed to Bellingcat that the Irtysh was inspected “in line with UNVIM operational protocols” on Sept. 7 and cleared by the Saudi-led coalition Evacuation and Humanitarian Operations Cell (EHOC) – a body entirely separate from the UN – on Sept. 8.

Asked whether UNVIM was aware the vessel had picked up grain from a port under Western sanctions, the agency replied: “The UNVIM mandate is limited to verifying compliance with the UN Security Council resolutions related to Yemen. Unilateral national sanctions or measures beyond that scope are outside the UNVIM mandate.”

Neither the Russian government nor its foreign ministry responded to requests for comment.