Spanish authorities reportedly impound a $600 million superyacht linked to one of Putin's top allies
REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin/File Photo
- Spanish authorities have reportedly detained a superyacht in Italy believed to belong to a Russian oligarch.
- The "Crescent" is reportedly owned by Igor Sechin, a sanctioned Putin ally and the CEO of Russian oil giant Rosneft.
- European countries have been seizing megayachts owned by Russian oligarchs since Putin's forces invaded Ukraine.
Spanish authorities detained a superyacht thought to be owned by a sanctioned Russian oligarch, Spain's Transport Ministry said Wednesday, according to Reuters.
The $600 million, 443-foot-long ship "Crescent" was docked in the port of Tarragona in Catalonia when it was impounded, according to a Marine Traffic report.
The ship — linked to Putin ally and CEO of Russian oil giant Rosneft Igor Sechin — features a multi-level atrium and a retractable helicopter landing pad, according to Superyacht Times.
The EU has been seizing yachts owned by Russian oligarchs as a part of the sanctions issued after Russia invaded Ukraine last month.
"We are joining with our European allies to find and seize your yachts, your luxury apartments, your private jets," US President Joe Biden said in his State of The Union address on March 1. "We are coming for your ill-begotten gains."
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.