The United States government is facing an annual expenditure of over $7 million to maintain the superyacht ‘Amadea,’ seized from Russian businessman Suleiman Kerimov and currently under legal scrutiny. The vessel, valued at $300 million, was apprehended in Fiji in April 2022 at the behest of the US Department of Justice, following sanctions imposed in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict.
The 348-foot-long luxury yacht, equipped with a helicopter pad, swimming pool, fire pits, and a movie theater, incurs a monthly maintenance cost of $600,000, according to court documents. Crew expenses alone amount to $360,000 each month, while additional costs include $75,000 for fuel and $165,000 for maintenance, waste removal, food, and other expenditures.
The US government is now seeking judicial permission to auction off the opulent vessel, citing the excessive monthly maintenance bill. Efforts to sell the ‘Amadea’ are contested by Russian businessman Eduard Khudainatov, who claims ownership of the yacht. The US, however, identifies Kerimov as the owner, alleging that he violated sanctions by making payments through the US financial system.
Khudainatov, former chairman of oil major Rosneft, insists that he is the true owner of the ‘Amadea’ and contends that the yacht cannot be confiscated as he has not been sanctioned by the US. US prosecutors, in prior court filings, accused Khudainatov of acting as a ‘straw owner’ to conceal Kerimov’s involvement.
Legal representatives for Khudainatov have labeled the seizure as ‘unlawful’ and urged the judge to disallow it until the constitutionality of the seizure is determined.
