US seizes Russian billionaire Kerimov’s superyacht

A federal court in the US has ruled to seize the superyacht of Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, rejecting a lawsuit by another Russian who claimed ownership.

This is reported by Bloomberg.

Recall that the trial concerned the possible sale of the superyacht “Amadea” worth $ 300 million. The court considered whether the vessel belongs to the sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov (according to the government’s version) or to the former head of Rosneft Eduard Khudainatov – the latter is contesting the confiscation of the yacht.

Thus, the court finally ruled that the real owner of the vessel is Kerimov, who purchased the vessel through shell companies. His family used the yacht and planned to refit it.

A Justice Department representative said on Monday that the United States continues to litigate confiscation cases and that the law that allows money confiscated under sanctions to be provided as aid to Ukraine expires in May.

Recall that the superyacht, built in Germany, is currently in the port of San Diego, and its maintenance costs American taxpayers about $ 750 thousand per month.

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Previously, USM reported that US citizens pay $ 600 thousand per month for the maintenance of the superyacht “Amadea”. As of the end of 2024, these costs have already reached $ 30 million.

Recall that in April 2023, Fijian police detained the yacht Amadea and its crew. In May, the Fijian Supreme Court granted a motion to seize the yacht.

In October 2023, the New York prosecutor’s office filed a lawsuit to seize the 106-meter superyacht “Amadea”, worth more than $300 million.