U.S. says Fiji seized Russian billionaire’s $300 million superyacht – NBC News
The U.S. government requested Fijian authorities to seize a $300 million yacht allegedly owned by a sanctioned Russian billionaire after finding the probable cause of sanctions violations. U.S. AG Merrick Garland said the ruling should clarify that there is no hiding place for individuals who violate U.S. laws.
Western nations have ramped up efforts to seize and freeze assets owned by Russian elites with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including the Amadea yacht, which was taken by Fijian authorities last month.
The investigation reviewed major financial record leaks to identify Kerimov and his associates and connect the wire transfers to Putin’s inner circle.
IN APRIL, the E.U. added Kerimov’s son Said to its sanctions list, and days later, the U.K. followed suit. Kerimov’s assets include a $190 million estate in the French Riviera.
French authorities accused Kerimov of purchasing four villas through a frontman. Still, charges against Kerimov were later dropped, and the companies used to buy the villas paid out $12 million in back taxes and fines.
Read more on this story at the following additional news sources:
- U.S. says Fiji seized Russian billionaire’s $300 million superyacht NBC News
- Fiji seizes $300 million superyacht belonging to Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov CNBC
- Russian oligarch’s $300M luxury yacht seized in Fiji on behalf of the US Fox Business
- Russian oligarch’s $300 million yacht seized by Fiji on behalf of U.S. The Washington Post
- Fiji says U.S. can seize Russian superyacht worth $325 million KTLA Los Angeles