U.S. secures sale of Russian oligarch's seized superyacht
U.S. prosecutors have obtained the right to sell the luxury superyacht "Amadea," valued at CAD 407 million. The vessel was seized from Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov.
U.S. authorities have acquired the right to sell the superyacht "Amadea," estimated to be worth CAD 407 million. According to "The Financial Times," the yacht was seized from Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov. In May 2022, the vessel was detained in Fiji due to alleged U.S. money laundering regulations violations.
Dispute over ownership
The 106-metre yacht, currently located in San Diego, offers luxury amenities such as 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 U.S. 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. Still, a U.S. court deemed him a figurehead acting on behalf of sanctioned elites, paving the way for the sale of the vessel.
The yacht auction marks a significant success for the U.S. task force "KleptoCapture," established in March 2022 to seize assets of Russian oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin. The yacht's sale will also relieve U.S. taxpayers, who have been shouldering the costs of its maintenance, which reach CAD 9.5 million annually.
Potential support for Ukraine
Under U.S. 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 CAD 6.8 billion to the Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz for losses incurred from the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
