Russian billionaire's £240m superyacht to fund Ukraine aid
US prosecutors have obtained the right to sell the luxury superyacht "Amadea," valued at approximately £240 million. The vessel was seized from Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov.
US authorities have acquired permission to sell the superyacht "Amadea," which is valued at approximately £240 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 US money laundering regulations.
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-carat gold.
Although US prosecutors claim the yacht belongs to Kerimov, the oligarch denies these accusations. However, the US 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 to 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 a US 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 US task force "KleptoCapture," established in March 2022 to seize assets of Russian oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin. The yacht's sale will also relieve US taxpayers, who have been shouldering its maintenance costs, estimated at £5.6 million annually.
Potential support for Ukraine
Under US 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 defence 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.
