Seized yacht belonging to a Russian tycoon to be sold at auction
The luxury yacht "Amadea," currently anchored in San Diego, California, is set to be auctioned off on September 10, 2025. The yacht, valued at over $300 million (around €260 million), was seized by authorities as part of U.S. sanctions enforcement against Russian individuals close to President Vladimir Putin in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
According to a U.S. District Court ruling in March 2025, the true owner of the "Amadea" is Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, who is under U.S. sanctions. The court found Kerimov was the beneficial owner, citing evidence that he and his family exclusively used and maintained the yacht.
Eduard Chudainatov, a former Russian state oil and gas executive, had claimed to be the rightful owner, but his claims were rejected by the U.S. government, which described Chudainatov as a "straw owner" for Kerimov.
The U.S. Justice Department is auctioning the yacht to recover costs associated with its seizure and maintenance, estimated at about $32 million so far, and to impose financial consequences on sanctioned oligarchs. Bidders are required to make a deposit of $10 million and meet minimum net worth requirements.
The "Amadea" is a 106-meter long vessel that can accommodate 16 guests. It features a helicopter landing pad, a pool, a whirlpool, a fitness room, a spa area, a beauty salon, and eight cabins. The yacht was previously owned by a Russian oligarch before being seized by local authorities and the US Federal Police FBI in Fiji.
The auction is being conducted by National Maritime Services from Florida. Interested bidders can submit their bids on the auction website, amadeaauction.com, until September 10.
The seizure and upcoming auction of the "Amadea" are part of a broader U.S. effort to penalize individuals close to Putin and recover assets linked to corruption and illicit activities. As U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated, they have their eyes on every yacht bought with dirty money.
- The U.S. community policy, as demonstrated by the auction of the luxury yacht "Amadea," aims to recover costs associated with the seizure and maintenance of assets connected to sanctioned individuals, such as Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov.
- The upcoming sports event, the auction of the $300 million yacht "Amadea," offers potential bidders an exclusive opportunity to own a 106-meter vessel equipped with a wealth of recreational facilities, including a pool, whirlpool, fitness room, spa area, beauty salon, and eight cabins, all while contributing to the employment policy by meeting minimum net worth requirements and making a deposit of $10 million.
