UPDATE: The US government has announced that the luxurious $325 million superyacht, the Amadea, previously owned by Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, is up for auction. This significant sale is set to take place through a sealed bid auction on September 10, 2023, in San Diego.
The stunning 348-foot vessel, seized by authorities in 2022, is now available to the highest bidder. Interested parties must place a deposit of 10 million euros (approximately $11.6 million) to participate. The auction represents a rare opportunity for buyers seeking a unique luxury asset, as the yacht is described as “virtually untouched” since its seizure.
Built in 2017 by renowned shipbuilder Lürssen, the Amadea can accommodate 16 guests in 8 staterooms and has a crew capacity of 36. Its six decks include an array of extravagant features such as a 32-foot swimming pool, a private cinema, an outdoor jacuzzi, and even a helipad.
“This is perhaps the most spectacular, exacting and beautiful ship any of us will ever see,” said Bob Toney, chairman of National Maritime Services, in a press release regarding the auction. He emphasized that opportunities to acquire such a vessel are “exceedingly rare — maybe once in a lifetime.”
The auction follows the yacht’s seizure off the coast of Fiji by the FBI and local law enforcement. In a May 2022 statement, then-US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco warned that the department was closely monitoring assets purchased with illicit funds, signaling a crackdown on corrupt Russian oligarchs.
As the auction date approaches, the spotlight remains on the lavish lifestyle associated with such vessels and the implications of seizing assets linked to sanctioned individuals. The sale of the Amadea not only represents a financial opportunity but also underscores the ongoing efforts by the US government to enforce sanctions against those involved in nefarious activities.
What happens next remains to be seen, as potential bidders prepare for what could be a decisive moment in luxury yacht ownership. The auction could redefine the landscape of high-value assets, especially amid the heightened scrutiny of global financial transactions.
Stay tuned as this developing story unfolds, and for those interested, mark your calendars for September 10—the chance to own a piece of maritime luxury awaits.
