U.S. to auction seized $300m superyacht linked to Russian oligarch
American prosecutors have obtained the right to sell the $300 million luxury superyacht Amadea, which was seized from Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov.
American authorities have acquired the right to sell the superyacht "Amadea," which is estimated to be worth $300 million. The yacht was seized from Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov, according to "The Financial Times." In May 2022, the vessel was detained in Fiji due to alleged violations of U.S. money laundering regulations.
Dispute over ownership
The 348-foot yacht, currently located in San Diego, offers luxury amenities, including a helicopter landing pad, a pool, a spa, a gym, a wine cellar, and a lobster aquarium. One of the most extravagant features is a hand-painted Pleyel piano made entirely of 24-karat gold.
Although American prosecutors claim the yacht belongs to Kerimov, the oligarch denies these accusations. However, the U.S. Department of Justice presented evidence from the ship's log and crew testimonies confirming that Kerimov and his daughters were the first guests on board and oversaw changes in the interior furnishings.
Attempts to seize the yacht
Eduard Khudainatov, former CEO of Russian oil giant Rosneft, attempted to acquire ownership of the yacht, but an American court deemed him a figurehead acting on behalf of sanctioned elites. This paved the way for the sale of the vessel.
The yacht auction marks a significant success for the American task force "KleptoCapture," established in March 2022 to seize assets of Russian oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin. The yacht's sale will also relieve American taxpayers, who have been shouldering its maintenance costs, which reach $7 million annually.
Potential support for Ukraine
Under American law, assets seized as part of sanctions enforcement can be allocated as aid to Ukraine. This means that the proceeds from the sale of this luxury yacht could ultimately support the defense of the country against Russian invasion.
Previously, Finnish authorities seized approximately 40 properties belonging to the Russian state, including recreational areas used by Russian diplomats. These actions result from a ruling by the Hague Arbitration Tribunal, which ordered Russia to pay $5 billion to the Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz for losses incurred from the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
