Luxury Superyacht Linked to Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Set for U.S. Auction

A luxury superyacht taken by U.S. authorities from the sanctioned Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov is scheduled for auction, as indicated on the boat’s listing website.

The 348-foot vessel, named Amadea and estimated to be worth over $300 million, boasts a helipad, swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, spa, beauty salon, and eight staterooms that accommodate up to 16 guests, according to amadeaauction.com. This yacht was confiscated in Fiji in April 2022 and is now docked in San Diego.

National Maritime Services, a Florida-based firm managing the auction, is accepting sealed bids until September 10. Bidders are required to provide a $10 million deposit.

In March, a federal judge authorized the auction after dismissing a rival ownership claim from Russian businessman Eduard Khudainatov, who previously led the state oil company Rosneft.

U.S. prosecutors contend that Khudainatov functioned as a «straw owner» to hide the yacht’s actual owner, Kerimov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who is under sanctions.

Kerimov faced U.S. sanctions first in 2018 and again in 2022 following Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine.

The seizure of the Amadea was part of Task Force KleptoCapture, a Department of Justice initiative initiated during President Joe Biden’s administration to target the assets of oligarchs connected to the Kremlin. This task force was disbanded by former President Donald Trump upon his inauguration.

Last year, Congress enacted legislation permitting the sale of seized Russian assets, directing the generated funds toward humanitarian assistance for Ukraine.