The US has seized a $423 million superyacht owned by sanctioned Russian Oligarch

Authorities have seized a $423 million superyacht belonging to a Russian oligarch with ties to the Ukraine conflict. See the photos.

Fijian authorities have seized a $423m yacht owned by Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov at the request of the United States, according to the US Justice Department.

Fijian authorities, Federal Bureau of Investigation officers, as well as the US Marshals Service seized the Amadea superyacht in Lautoka, Fiji, on Thursday where it had been moored for two weeks.

“The Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to hold accountable those who facilitate the death and destruction we are witnessing in Ukraine,” US Attorney-General Merrick B Garland said.

Authorities moved in to seize the yacht at the request of the United States. Picture: upplied

“We will use every means of enforcing the sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war in Ukraine.”

The 107-metre Amadea boasts a pool, jacuzzi, helipad, and “winter garden” on the sun deck, according to the website superyachtfan.com, which tracks the vessels of the rich.

Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov’s yacht was seized as part of the crackdown. Picture: Getty Images

News of the seizure is the latest by Washington and its allies to up pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, often targeting wealthy citizens known to have close ties to the Kremlin.

In March, the Biden administration announced a new task force – dubbed KleptoCapture – specifically focusing on seizing yachts and other luxury assets to put the finances of Russian oligarchs under strain and to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The outside of the Amadea yacht which was seized by authorities. Picture: Supplied

Kerimov was sanctioned by the US in 2014 and 2018 in response to Russia’s actions in Syria and Ukraine. He has also been sanctioned by the European Union.

“This yacht seizure should tell every corrupt Russian oligarch that they cannot hide – not even in the remotest part of the world,” Deputy Attorney-General Lisa Monaco said in a statement.

KleptoCapture focuses on seizing luxury assets of Russian oligarchs.

Inside the $423 million yacht. Picture: Supplied

Authorities in various countries have seized luxury vessels and villas owned by Russian billionaires in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In early April, the US seized a 77m yacht in Spain owned by Viktor Vekselberg, a billionaire and close Putin ally who heads the Moscow-based Renova Group.

US President Joe Biden has asked Congress for the authority to formally seize and sell assets of Russians to fund Ukraine’s defence and rebuilding, although it remains unclear if he would be able to do so without running afoul of international law.

The luxurious yacht includes a pool, jacuzzi and helipad. Picture: Supplied

The motor yacht can accommodate 16 guests in 8 cabins. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as The US has seized a $423 million superyacht owned by sanctioned Russian Oligarch