Russian Superyachts Worth Over $2 Billion Are Detained in Europe
The U.S. coordinated with Spain to seize a sanctioned billionaire’s vessel, at least the 13th to be impounded after the invasion of Ukraine.
The Dilbar superyacht, owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, under cover while undergoing refitting in Hamburg, Germany, on March 4.
Photographer: Imke Lass/BloombergMore than a dozen superyachts have been impounded or seized in European ports in the past five weeks as part of sweeping sanctions leveled at Russian billionaires.
From Hamburg in northern Germany to Majorca off the coast of Spain, at least 13 of the so-called floating palaces are now stuck at anchor, with just skeleton crews to keep them seaworthy. Officials in the U.S., U.K. and European Union are targeting the conspicuous boats as part of their efforts to freeze assets belonging to ultra-wealthy Russians seen as having close ties to the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin.