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Rachel Lang
Sanctioned Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov has reportedly had his mega-yacht seized by authorities in Germany, as European Union sanctions crack down on high-profile Russians with close ties to Vladimir Putin.
Usmanov is one of 26 associates of the Russian President who were sanctioned by the EU earlier this week.
The EU declaration said restrictive measures against Putin’s associates included 'an asset freeze and a prohibition from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities'.
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It also described the now-yachtless Usmanov as someone with close ties to Putin, even dubbing him ‘one of Vladimir Putin’s favourite oligarchs’.
“He is considered to be one of Russia’s businessmen-officials, who were entrusted with servicing financial flows, but their positions depend on the will of the President," the declaration stated.
According to Forbes, the 512-foot Dilbar, described as the oligarch's most-prized possession, was seized at shipyards in Hamburg where the mega-vessel was undergoing a refit.
The luxury vessel has an estimated value of $820 million, and is understood to employ 84 full-time crew members, has the largest indoor swimming pool installed on a super yacht, and boasts a gym and beauty salon.
Maritime Executive says the mega-yacht is the 'largest personal yacht in the world by volume' and 'sixth longest vessel of her type'.
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So, when we say it's a mega-yacht, we mean mega.
Meanwhile, football club Everton is distancing themselves from Putin’s ‘favourite’ oligarch and his company USM Holdings, which sponsors Everton’s training ground.
“The club can confirm that it has suspended with immediate effect all commercial sponsorship arrangements with the Russian companies USM, Megafon and Yota,” Everton FC said in a statement.
On Tuesday (March 1), Usmanov commented on the EU sanctions imposed on him in a statement of his own.
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“I believe that such decision is unfair, and the reasons employed to justify the sanctions are a set of false and defamatory allegations damaging my honor, dignity, and business reputation," he said.
"I will use all legal means to protect my honour and reputation."
US President Joe Biden says he will do everything in his power to seize assets belonging to Russian oligarchs in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"I say to the Russian oligarchs and corrupt leaders who built billions of dollars off this violent regime – no more," he said.
"The United States Department of Justice is assembling a dedicated task force to go after the crimes of the Russian oligarchs. We’re finding and seizing their yachts and luxury apartments, their private jets. We’re coming for you ill-begotten gains.”
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