Sanctioned Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov’s megayacht has been seized amid a crackdown on oligarchs friendly with Vladimir Putin, it has been reported.
The 512-foot Dilbar, described as Usmanov’s prized possession, was frozen by German authorities on Monday.
The vessel, with an estimated value of £600million, remains at shipyards in the northern city of Hamburg where it has been for a refitting job since late October.
It is part of an Asset Freeze. Following Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, Usmanov received sanction from the European Union.
German authorities have taken possession of the megayacht belonging to Alisher Usmanov (Russian billionaire) it was sanctioned.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, the European Union sanctioned Usmanov and placed an asset freeze.
Dilbar was custom-built for Usmanov by German shipbuilder Lürssen and took 52 months to finish.
It is the largest yacht in volume, and it can carry over 100 people and their crew in its 58 cabins.
This yacht forms part of Usmanov’s multibillion pound fortune. It includes stakes in steel giant Metalloinvest, iron ore, and consumer electronics company Xiaomi. As well as holdings and investments in media, telecom and mining.
An oligarch linked to Vladimir Putin and Usmanov also holds interests in the UK. MPs call for similar sanctions
Usmanov, an oligarch with links to Vladimir Putin, was on Monday added to a list of sanctioned individuals by the European Union.
He hit back In a statement published on the EU website by the International Fencing Federation (of which he is President), he writes: “On 28 February 2022, my target was the European Union’s restrictive measures.
I believe such a decision would be unjust. The reason for the sanctions is a series of defamatory and false allegations that will damage my honour, dignity, business reputation, and honor.
Before this week Usmanov held a sponsorship agreement with Everton FC. It has since been cancelled
“I will use every legal avenue to defend my reputation and owner.”
Despite repeated calls by MPs Usmanov was not given any sanctions in the UK.
Usmanov has several interests in Britain, and until this week had a sponsorship deal with Everton FC, which has since been suspended.
As recently as 2018, the 68-year-old had a 30 per cent stake in Arsenal FC but sold out to American owner Stan Kroenke.
He also owns Beechwood House in the Highgate area of north London and Sutton Place in Surrey – collectively worth over £200million.
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