URGENT UPDATE: The US government is set to auction the seized superyacht Amadea, worth an estimated $325 million, on September 10, 2023, in a high-stakes sale that could attract global attention. This luxurious 348-foot vessel, formerly owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, is now open for bids, offering buyers a rare opportunity to acquire a megayacht virtually untouched since its seizure.
The Amadea, seized by the FBI off the coast of Fiji in May 2022, features extravagant amenities across its six decks, including a gym, a 32-foot swimming pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, a private cinema, and a helipad. With accommodations for 16 guests and 36 crew members, this yacht epitomizes luxury. The auction is being managed by National Maritime Services and luxury yacht broker Fraser Yachts, with a starting deposit requirement of 10 million euros (approximately $11.6 million) to participate.
“This is perhaps the most spectacular, exacting and beautiful ship any of us will ever see,” said Bob Toney, chairman of National Maritime Services, emphasizing the yacht’s exclusivity and allure. The auction not only marks a significant financial event but also sends a strong message to other oligarchs that illicit wealth is under scrutiny.
The Amadea stands as a notable example of the US government’s ongoing efforts to target assets linked to corruption and illegal activities. In a statement following the yacht’s seizure, then-US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco warned, “This yacht seizure should tell every corrupt Russian oligarch that they cannot hide — not even in the remotest part of the world.”
As the auction date approaches, the spotlight will intensify on potential bidders eager to own a piece of opulence while navigating the complexities of international sanctions. With the yacht’s original price set at $325 million, buyers are expected to receive a “substantial discount,” making this sale an exceptional opportunity.
The Amadea will be auctioned in its berth in San Diego, California, with the sealed bids due on September 10. Interested parties are encouraged to act quickly, as this once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a world-class yacht is likely to generate significant competition.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds, and watch for further announcements regarding this extraordinary auction.