The luxury superyacht Amadea, which gained global notoriety after being seized in Fiji in 2022, has been sold by the U.S. government following a recent sealed-bid auction. A spokesperson from the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed that this 106-meter vessel, previously associated with sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, has a new owner. However, details about the buyer and the final sale price remain undisclosed.
The Amadea was placed under detention in Lautoka after the U.S. government claimed ownership was traced to Kerimov, who has faced sanctions linked to Russia’s actions following the invasion of Ukraine. The seizure of the yacht was a significant enforcement action carried out in collaboration with Fijian authorities, falling under the U.S.-led “KleptoCapture” task force that targets the assets of high-profile individuals tied to financial misconduct.
Initially valued at around $300 million, the Amadea features extravagant amenities such as six decks, a helipad, an infinity pool, a private cinema, and lavish golden interiors. After its seizure, the costs of maintaining the yacht surged to nearly $1 million per month while it remained out of commission.
This auction is part of a broader strategy by U.S. authorities to disrupt the financial networks of Russian elites. Notably, legislation passed by Congress allows for the sale of seized Russian assets, with proceeds allocated for humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The sale of the Amadea not only represents the culmination of lengthy legal battles over ownership but also highlights a significant step in international efforts to enforce sanctions against those connected to the Russian government.
The complexities surrounding the ownership of high-value assets such as the Amadea demonstrate the intricate challenges faced by authorities when untangling webs of financial rights and claims tied to sanctioned individuals. The outcome of this sale, while unresolved in terms of the final details, underscores the continued commitment of U.S. and international agencies to regulate and repurpose luxury assets for humanitarian aims amid ongoing geopolitical strife.
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