Ship AIS data spoofed to draw pro-war Russian Z symbol in Black Sea

Geollect is proud to have been featured by TradeWinds in response to our Spoofing analysis. TradeWinds reported;

UK says fake tracks created as morale boost before Ukrainian counter-offensive

The UK believes AIS spoofers have manipulated vessel tracks to produce a giant Russian pro-war Z symbol in the Black Sea.

Data provided by Geollect has shown the symbol off the coast of Sevastopol since 14 May.

The remote spoofing has created a Z measuring 65 km in length, visible on open-source tracking software.

The UK Ministry of Defence said tracks making up the image suggested ridiculous ship speeds of 102 knots (188 km per hour), further suggesting it is a fake.

Steaming at these rates would certainly play havoc with shipowners’ Carbon Intensity Indicator ratings.

“Pro-Russian actors likely conducted the spoofing as an information operation, as an attempt to bolster Russian morale ahead of an anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive,” the ministry added.

And it warned: “The spoofing of AIS increases the risk of maritime accidents.”

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