Russian billionaire’s multi-million super-yacht was reportedly seized by the German government amid a crackdown on Russian oligarchs.
Following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Western countries, including the US, the UK, and EU member countries, have imposed stern economic sanctions against Russia.
Now, as the battle for Kyiv rages on, German authorities have reportedly seized the $1 billion yacht that belongs to Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov who is known to have ties with Vladimir Putin.
The 512-foot vessel that goes by the name of Dilbar was seized in Hamburg where it has been undergoing a refitting job for several months.
The move against the iron ore and steel tycoon comes after the European Union put the billionaire on a list of Russian individuals that would be sanctioned in response to Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Responding to the news about sanctions against him, Usmanov hit back at the European Union saying:
“On 28 February 2022 I became the target of restrictive measures imposed by the European Union.
“I believe that such a decision is unfair, and the reason is employed to justify the sanctions are a set of false and defamatory allegations damaging my honor, dignity, and business reputation.
“I would use all legal means to protect my owner and reputation.”
While the EU was quick to sanction the Russian oligarch, the UK has yet to take action against his deals and interests in the country.
As of this writing, it remains unclear how long the tycoon’s prize possession will remain frozen in Germany.
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