Portuguese 
Spanish 
With Infinity Pool, Helipad, Private Cinema, and Six Decks, the 106-Meter Superyacht Is the Subject of Legal Battles Among Russian Oligarchs and Can Be Acquired for Just US$ 80 Million in Private Auction
The United States government announced the sale of the megayacht Amadea, a luxury vessel measuring 106 meters in length, equipped with an infinity pool, helipad, eight cabins, sauna, and private lounge. The ship, valued at US$ 350 million when seized, is considered one of the most expensive symbols ever confiscated amid sanctions imposed on Russian billionaires close to President Vladimir Putin.
The seizure took place in Fiji, in Oceania, three years ago during an operation carried out by the KleptoCapture task force of the U.S. Department of Justice. This task force was created in 2022 to identify and confiscate luxury assets from sanctioned oligarchs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
According to information released by CNN Brasil, the Amadea is just one of dozens of seized properties, alongside private jets and mansions. However, many of these assets remain tied up in international legal disputes, which delays their sale.
-
19-Year-Old Farmer’s Son Develops Low-Cost Smart Garden to Prevent Water Waste, Wins National Science Award in Brazil
-
Astronauts Returning from Space Show Reduced Immune Cells and Thymus Suppression, Highlighting Potential Risks for Long Mars Missions
-
Indian Teens Win National Geographic Award at Google Science Fair for Using Common Sour Fruit to Naturally Coagulate Rubber in 6 Hours, Reducing Production Time by 10 Hours
-
Morocco Sinks 148 Giant Concrete Coffins in the Mediterranean to Build a 4.3 km Breakwater for a Megaport Competing in Global Container Routes Near Nador
Private Auction Requires a Deposit of US$ 10 Million to Participate
After years of legal battles, the megayacht was officially awarded to the U.S. government in March this year by a ruling from Judge Dale Ho in New York. Thus, the yacht was included in a private auction, managed by National Maritime Services in partnership with the brokerage firm Fraser Yachts.
To participate, each interested party had to pay a minimum deposit of US$ 10 million. The auction ended on Wednesday (10), and despite the original value of US$ 350 million, experts estimate that the ship will be sold at a large discount, with a range between US$ 80 million and US$ 120 million.
Built in 2017, the Amadea impresses with its six decks, marble fireplace, piano, gym, health center, lobster tank, and even a private cinema. Currently, the vessel is docked in San Diego, California, and had previously been valued at US$ 230 million in 2022.
According to a report from Arizton Advisory and Intelligence, only 50 to 100 ultra-wealthy individuals worldwide could afford a vessel of this size, making the sales process even more restricted.
Dispute Among Russian Oligarchs and Legal Challenges
The ownership of the Amadea is the subject of a heated dispute among Russian billionaires. The U.S. Department of Justice claims that the yacht belongs to tycoon Suleiman Kerimov, who made his fortune in the gold sector and allegedly used the American banking system to fund the vessel’s expenses, violating international sanctions.
However, another Russian businessman, Eduard Khudainatov, former president of the oil company Rosneft and linked to Millemarin Investments, has claimed to be the rightful owner. Despite this, Judge Dale Ho concluded that there was “sufficient basis to consider the claimants as fictitious owners,” acting on behalf of the Kerimov family.
Khudainatov appealed the decision, and his lawyer, Adam Ford, described the sale as “improper and premature.” He warned that potential buyers may face years of costly and uncertain litigation, as the legal dispute could continue in courts outside the United States.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government claims that the criticisms are merely an attempt to undervalue the yacht and impede its sale.
