Russian Superyacht Auction: $300 Million Seized
# Russian Oligarch’s Superyacht, Amadea, Heads to Auction - Here’s How to Bid
The Amadea is escorted by the Coast Guard in the ocean off San Diego.The vessel was seized from a sanctioned Russian oligarch, officials say.
(Gregory Bull / Associated Press)
The stunning, 250-foot superyacht *Amadea*, once linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch, is heading to auction. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of opulent maritime history - and have a cool $10 million just lying around – this could be your chance. But this isn’t just about luxury; it’s a notable step in the U.S. government’s efforts to put financial pressure on those connected to the Russian regime.
## A History of Luxury and Controversy
The *Amadea* isn’t just any yacht. It’s a floating palace boasting eight decks, a swimming pool, a helipad, and enough space to comfortably accommodate dozens of guests and crew. But its lavish lifestyle came under scrutiny following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The yacht was seized in Fiji in April 2022, after a dramatic legal battle, and arrived in San Diego in June of that same year.U.S. authorities believe the vessel is connected to Suleiman Kerimov, a Russian billionaire sanctioned by the U.S. in 2018 for alleged money laundering. Kerimov was labeled a “specially designated national” due to his alleged role in illicit financial activities involving the purchase of French villas.
The U.S. department of the treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has stated that Kerimov is a direct beneficiary of Vladimir Putin and “played a key role in advancing Russia’s malign activities.” Seizing assets like the *Amadea* is part of a broader strategy to pressure Russian oligarchs – those with close ties to Putin – in an attempt to compel a change in course regarding the war in Ukraine.
## The Legal Battle and current Status
While Kerimov is the figure initially linked to the yacht, the legal ownership has been a point of contention. Eduard Khudainatov, the former chairman of Russian state-controlled oil giant Rosneft, claims to be the true owner. He’s currently appealing a march ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York,