A once-private maritime masterpiece, the Russian superyacht *Amadea*, has officially changed hands, ushering in a new chapter in its complicated international saga. United States authorities, through a carefully controlled auction, have transferred ownership of the 106-meter vessel—previously attributed to sanctioned Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov—to an undisclosed buyer. The United States Marshals Service verified to *Business Insider* that the sale was finalized through a sealed-bid process that concluded on September 10, yet both the identity of the purchaser and the precise sale price remain confidential, adding an additional layer of intrigue to an already controversial case.
The *Amadea* was originally confiscated in 2022 by the federal KleptoCapture task force, a specialized unit established to enforce international sanctions and seize assets linked to illicit wealth channels. The yacht was impounded in Fiji, where it had been docked at the time of its seizure. Initial Department of Justice estimates placed its worth at approximately $300 million, though subsequent court filings revised that figure downward to around $230 million—still a staggering valuation reflective of its unparalleled craftsmanship and extravagant design. Built by the German shipyard Lürssen, renowned for constructing bespoke vessels for some of the world’s wealthiest individuals—including tech magnates Sergey Brin and media executive Barry Diller—the *Amadea* exemplifies nautical opulence on a colossal scale. Its six expansive decks feature a cascade of indulgent amenities: an infinity pool with panoramic sea views, a private cinema designed for lavish entertainment, two full-service spas, a helicopter landing pad, a jacuzzi, and meticulously ornamented interiors complete with a grand piano, gold-trimmed elevators, a gleaming bar accented with gilded details, and even a live lobster tank for on-board dining perfection.
The federal government had long sought to relieve itself of the burden of maintaining this floating palace. The financial toll on U.S. taxpayers was substantial: nearly one million dollars per month in crew wages, maintenance, fuel, and insurance. These persistent operating expenses transformed the yacht from a symbol of luxury into a substantial fiscal liability, intensifying pressure to conclude its sale. With a new captain presumably preparing to helm the vessel, congratulations may be in order—although navigating the legal and practical aftermath of the transaction may prove anything but tranquil.
Acquiring control of a seized luxury vessel, particularly one embroiled in complex international ownership disputes, is an ordeal fraught with uncertainty. The *Amadea* has been at the heart of such disagreements since its confiscation. Russian business figure Eduard Khudainatov publicly asserted ownership following its seizure, yet judicial proceedings contradicted his claim. Earlier this year, a U.S. judge determined that Khudainatov acted merely as a *straw owner*—a nominal titleholder allegedly representing other hidden interests—and thus lacked authority to prevent the yacht’s forfeiture. Nonetheless, Khudainatov has mounted an appeal, pledging through his attorney, Adam Ford, to pursue the case until what he describes as his client’s rightful property is reclaimed. Ford denounced the government’s auction as both premature and improper, underscoring that no prudent buyer of an asset valued at $230 million would overlook the ongoing litigation and associated risks.
In correspondence submitted to the court, Ford referenced another high-profile example—the *Alfa Nero*, a superyacht similarly seized and sold by the government of Antigua and Barbuda the previous year for a deeply discounted $40 million. That vessel, too, suffered from legal entanglements that ultimately deterred potential purchasers, including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who withdrew from negotiations as disputes intensified. Such precedents illuminate the perils inherent in acquiring assets entangled in contested international ownership claims.
Consequently, the anonymous new owner of the *Amadea* may find it prudent to remain within U.S. territorial waters for the foreseeable future, steering clear of jurisdictions where ownership legality might be reexamined or where the vessel could risk renewed claims. Residents of major U.S. yachting hubs such as Fort Lauderdale or San Diego may soon catch a glimpse of the vessel’s gleaming silhouette resting quietly in port—a striking reminder of how geopolitical tensions, legal complexities, and the glittering world of luxury converge upon the open seas.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/amadea-russian-oligarch-superyacht-seized-auctioned-new-owner-2025-9
