Fact Check: "Russian warship Boikiy used fake ID while passing through English Channel"
What We Know
A recent investigation by BBC Verify confirmed that the Russian warship Boikiy, a corvette equipped with guided missiles, utilized a fake identification signal while navigating through the English Channel. This incident occurred on June 20, 2023, when the Boikiy was traveling alongside two oil tankers known to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet," which is used to transport sanctioned oil products. The Boikiy broadcast a fake ID code that misled tracking systems into identifying it as other vessels that had previously used that ID. The investigation employed satellite imagery, tracking data, and video evidence to match the ID to the Boikiy as it passed under a bridge in Denmark (BBC Verify).
Experts indicated that the use of a fake ID signal was an unusual tactic for a Russian naval vessel, as they typically would just deactivate their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection (BBC Verify). The Boikiy's actions were interpreted as a strategic move by Moscow to protect the sanctioned oil tankers from potential Western interference, especially in light of increased scrutiny and sanctions against the shadow fleet (BBC Verify).
Analysis
The evidence presented by BBC Verify is robust, relying on multiple sources of verification including satellite imagery and expert analysis. The use of a fake ID signal is corroborated by tracking data that showed the Boikiy appearing as a different vessel on tracking sites (BBC Verify). This aligns with the findings from other reputable news sources, such as The Telegraph and Stuff, both of which reported on the Boikiy's actions and the context of its journey.
The credibility of the sources is high, as BBC Verify is known for its investigative journalism and fact-checking capabilities. The corroboration from multiple outlets adds to the reliability of the claim. Furthermore, the analysis by naval experts provides additional context regarding the strategic implications of the Boikiy's actions, suggesting that this was not merely a technical maneuver but part of a broader military strategy (BBC Verify).
While some might argue that military vessels often operate without AIS, the specific use of a fake ID signal is highlighted as a significant deviation from standard practices, making this claim particularly noteworthy (BBC Verify).
Conclusion
The claim that the Russian warship Boikiy used a fake ID while passing through the English Channel is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, including detailed investigations and expert testimonies, supports the assertion that the Boikiy engaged in this deceptive practice as part of a broader strategy to protect sanctioned oil tankers from Western intervention.
