In a high-stakes game of cat and mouse on the high seas, Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov’s $325 million superyacht, Amadea, has become the epicenter of an international standoff. Kerimov, a figure under economic sanctions by both the United States and the European Union, aimed to bring his luxurious vessel to Australia, evading potential seizure. However, the United States, in its relentless pursuit of assets linked to sanctioned oligarchs, has set its sights on the Amadea, currently docked in Fiji. The yacht’s unexpected journey, spanning 18 days from Mexico to the South Pacific, has thrust it into choppier waters, both literally and metaphorically.
The High-Stakes Legal Battle:
As the Amadea arrived in Fiji without customs clearance, Fiji’s director of public prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, wasted no time in taking legal action. He applied to the High Court to restrain the vessel from leaving Fijian waters and to finalize an application to register a warrant for seizure. Furthermore, there is a call to register the U.S. warrant to seize the Amadea, adding an international dimension to the legal quagmire.
United States’ Determination:
The U.S. embassy has made its stance clear, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to pressure Putin’s oligarchs. They are working in collaboration with allies and partners to recover ill-gotten gains held by individuals with close ties to Putin, irrespective of their global whereabouts. This marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice, underscoring the reach of international sanctions and the relentless pursuit of assets linked to those under sanction.
An Unprecedented Seizure:
The interception of Amadea follows a similar operation involving Russian-Cypriot oligarch Viktor Vekselberg’s $90 million megayacht, Tango. The FBI, in conjunction with Spanish authorities, carried out this operation in Palma de Mallorca, marking the first such action by the FBI at the request of U.S. authorities. Homeland Security Investigations and Spain’s Civil Guard also played a pivotal role in this landmark seizure.
Exploring the World of Amadea:
Amadea, priced at a staggering $325 million, is an unparalleled display of luxury and extravagance. The yacht features a double-height atrium, a Pleyel grand piano, leather-clad walls adorned with books, and a full-beam dining table. With a generous 59-foot beam, a dedicated party deck with 20,000 watts of speakers, and a cinema complete with a popcorn machine, it offers a world of opulence.
The yacht boasts luxurious private quarters and accommodates up to 16 guests across eight cabins. Unique features include a top-deck galley, a colossal grill area, and even a live tank for lobsters. However, the standout highlight is the spa pool, which transforms into a stage for live bands and DJs to plug directly into the ship’s audio system.
A Glimpse into Suleiman Kerimov:
Suleiman Kerimov, with a net worth of $13.7 billion, holds a 76% stake in Russia’s largest gold producer, Polyus. Despite his immense wealth, Kerimov maintains an extremely private profile and has not granted a single interview during his two decades in business. His journey to riches began as an economist at the Eltav electrical plant, earning a meager $250 a month. Gradually, he rose to prominence by managing relations between Eltav and Fedprombank, a Moscow bank established by the electrical company. Eventually, he became the head of the banking and trading company Soyuz-Finans in 1995, and over time, he built his career by investing in distressed companies in Russia.
Conclusion:
The pursuit of Suleiman Kerimov’s Amadea in Fiji exemplifies the growing commitment to enforcing international sanctions against oligarchs. It marks a new chapter in the relentless chase of assets connected to individuals under economic sanctions, and it underscores the global reach of such measures. As the legal battle unfolds, the world watches closely to witness whether international authorities can successfully bring a sanctioned superyacht under their control, a symbol of justice in a world of luxury.
