U.S. auctions seized $300 million yacht owned by Russian oligarch
- The Justice Department seized the Amadea yacht valued at over $300 million in 2022.
- The auction is set for September 10, 2025, requiring bidders to meet strict financial criteria.
- The case highlights ownership disputes and legal challenges surrounding the yacht.
In 2022, the U.S. Justice Department seized the luxury yacht Amadea, measuring 348 feet, in Fiji, claiming it belonged to sanctioned Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov. The move was part of a broader effort called Operation KleptoCapture, aimed at penalizing Russian oligarchs in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Following the seizure, the yacht was valued at over $300 million. The auction process is set to begin on September 10, 2025, with bidders required to have a minimum net worth of $500 million and to place a $10 million deposit. The seizure of the Amadea sparked controversy, as a holding company linked to the vessel contended that ownership rests with Eduard Khudainatov, an oil executive not under sanctions. The Justice Department has rejected these claims, indicating that Khudainatov serves as a