Superyacht worth $700 million confiscated in Italy: it is assumed that it belongs to Putin

Italian officials have confiscated a $700 million luxury yacht linked to the Russian government. Writes about it Fox Business.

Photo: Shutterstock

Italian authorities have launched an investigation into the origins of the nearly 460-foot (140 m) superyacht known as the Scheherazade, which was moored in the port of Marina di Carrara, as concerns arose that the Kremlin-linked vessel would soon sail for Italian waters.

The yacht was arrested under sanctions agreed with the European Union due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Treasury Department said the Cayman-flagged vessel "has long been under government scrutiny."

Despite an investigation that found the yacht has "noticeable" ties to EU-sanctioned Russians, Italian officials have not named the owner of the Scheherazade.

On the subject: Investigation: Russian 'Kalashnikov' sells weapons to the US in circumvention of sanctions

Some speculate that Scheherazade is owned by Russian President Vladimir Putin, while other reports point to Eduard Khudainatov, a former head of the state oil company.

Khudaynatov does not appear to have been subject to specific sanctions yet, but a decree by Italy's Finance Minister Daniele Franco banned the vessel from sailing.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned the megayacht in a March address to the Italian Parliament calling for action.

“Don't be a haven for assassins,” he said. - All their real estate, accounts and yachts should be blocked - from Scheherazade to the smallest. Freeze the assets of all those with ties to Russia.”

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Ukraine has demanded tougher sanctions from the international community on Russia as it continues its deadly war in Ukraine for more than two months.

The US, along with several European countries, has taken steps to end oil ties with Russia, while others have pledged to do so by the end of 2022.

Zelensky criticized EU countries that continue to buy Russian oil.

“You can't be a little evil and a little kind. It is unacceptable to impose sanctions and sign new contracts with Russia with the other hand. This is definitely unacceptable during a war. This is hypocrisy,” Zelensky said during a virtual address to the British Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Seven Online English Courses Starting Now

Getting ready for summer: top 10 best beaches in America

How our Universe was born: working and not so theories of scientists

Top 12 Ways to Learn Multiple Foreign Languages

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.