Luxury Superyacht of Russian Tycoon up for Auction in American Territory
The Amadea, a luxurious superyacht valued at over $300 million, is set to be auctioned off by the United States government in September 2025. The yacht, currently berthed in San Diego, California, has been seized from its previous owner, Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, following a court ruling that confirmed Kerimov as the true beneficial owner 13.
The Amadea, measuring 348 feet (106 meters) in length, boasts eight staterooms, a helipad, gym, spa, swimming pool, and an elevator. It can accommodate 16 guests and 36 crew members 14. The yacht was initially built by Lürssen in 2017 and is registered in the Cayman Islands under Millemarin Investments Ltd. 14.
Kerimov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was sanctioned by the United States in 2018 and again in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine 13. The auction represents the first U.S. sale of a seized Russian superyacht linked to sanctions against oligarchs connected to the Russian government following the invasion of Ukraine 13.
The auction will be conducted as a sealed bid auction by National Marine Services under a forfeiture order from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Fraser Yachts is involved in promoting and managing the sale 13. Bidders must place a $10 million deposit to participate, and private inspections of the yacht in San Diego are available by appointment 13.
The proceeds from the sale will be used to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as per legislation passed by the U.S. Congress last year 13. The sealed bids for the Amadea auction are still being accepted until September 10 13.
The Amadea was seized from a Russian oligarch in Fiji in April 2022 and brought to San Diego where it remains 13. The Justice Department under President Joe Biden began seizing the assets of Russian oligarchs close to Putin as part of Operation Task Force KleptoCapture, but this initiative was disbanded after President Donald Trump took office 13.
- The Amadea, a seized Russian superyacht worth over $300 million, is due to be auctioned off by the United States government in September 2025, with the proceeds intended for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
- Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was sanctioned by the United States in 2018 and again in 2022 due to his ties to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- The Amadea, a luxurious yacht with eight staterooms, a helipad, gym, spa, swimming pool, and an elevator, was initially built by Lürssen in 2017 and is currently registered in the Cayman Islands.
- Fraser Yachts is managing the sale of the Amadea, a Russian superyacht seized by the United States, through a sealed bid auction conducted by National Marine Services in September 2025.
- The Amadea auction, representing the first U.S. sale of a seized Russian superyacht linked to sanctions against oligarchs connected to the Russian government following the invasion of Ukraine, is accepting sealed bids until September 10, 2025.
