The Ministry of Defence has rejected claims that the Royal Marines’ boarding of a Russian shadow fleet tanker was “staged for the cameras.”
Announced early on Sunday, Sir Keir Starmer hailed the operation as a significant blow against Russia, marking the first UK-led mission of its kind.
Footage released from the raid, which led to the arrest of a 38-year-old Indian national, showed Royal Marines fast-roping from a helicopter onto the oil tanker.
However, former Army officer and Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty raised what he described as “serious questions” about the authenticity of the video.
Writing on social media, he said: “There are serious and legitimate questions about the footage released by the MoD showing the interception of the Russian shadow fleet vessel this morning.
“How is the cameraman already ahead of the Marines clearing the stairwell and able to film them moving towards him?
“How has the cameraman passed open cabin doors that haven’t yet been cleared? How much of this has been staged for the cameras?”
The Huntingdon MP stressed that he did not doubt the tanker had been seized or that the mission involved real risks.
But he added that he questioned “the PR exercise and the Government’s apparent desperation for a political win at the expense of the Royal Marines.”
An MoD spokesman acknowledged that some of the footage was filmed after troops had secured parts of the vessel to ensure filming could take place safely. However, the department insisted the operation was not staged and that no scenes were recreated.
At one point in the video, a voice can be heard saying “rolling” and asking a soldier to “hold that” while a search is underway.
Additional footage showed British personnel searching cabins, while National Crime Agency officers examined documents and records onboard.
The spokesman said: “There were several points where personnel fast-roped onto the vessel, including after some teams were already onboard, allowing those moments to be captured on camera.”
While declining to discuss further operational details, the MoD said the footage demonstrated the level of care, diligence and detail required when securing a vessel.
It is understood that 24 Georgian and Indian crew members remain onboard and are assisting investigators.
A National Crime Agency spokesman said: “Following the interception of a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the early hours of June 14, a 38-year-old Indian national was arrested on suspicion of sanctions offences under the Russia Regulations.
“He remains in custody and will be interviewed by NCA investigators.
“As our investigation is ongoing, we will not comment further at this stage.”
Sir Keir said in March that Britain would pursue Russia’s shadow fleet “even harder” than before, with Sunday’s operation following months of preparation.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, who was appointed only last week, praised those involved and said the mission required “skill, professionalism and courage.”
The operation comes amid upheaval at the top of the MoD after John Healey stepped down as Defence Secretary and Al Carns resigned as Armed Forces Minister, citing concerns over defence funding and the still-unpublished Defence Investment Plan.
The Treasury is expected to provide the MoD with an additional £13.5 billion, though defence figures believe that falls well short of what is needed to modernise the Armed Forces.
Speaking to GB News on Sunday, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government was exploring further public spending cuts in order to increase investment in defence.
