A Russian daily claims Somali pirates hijacked Israeli-owned Ukrainian vessel MV Faina after a tip-off about its destination and cargo. A Georgian cell operator directed the call from the port city of Odessa, Kommersant quoted Ukrainian security sources as saying. Pirates captured the arms-laden Faina along with its 21 crewmembers in the Indian Ocean on September 25, 2008, sparking international concern over the possible sales of its sophisticated military cargo. The ship was released after 20 weeks on February 5, when pirates received a $3.2 million ransom.
Faina's Israeli owner Vadim Alperin was accused of delaying the release by refusing to directly negotiate with pirates. Media outlets also raised questions over the real destination of the cargo, citing sources in Somalia who claimed the shipment was purchased by Kenya to arm Sudanese rebels in the Darfur region.
The Kenyan government has denied the allegations.