U.S. Court Upholds Seizure of $300 Million Superyacht Linked to Russian Oligarch

A U.S. judge ruled that Eduard Khudainatov cannot claim ownership of the $300 million superyacht Amadea, seized in 2022 due to claims of it being owned by sanctioned Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov. This decision aids U.S. prosecutors seeking yacht forfeiture to aid Ukraine, amidst evolving U.S.-Russia diplomatic stances.

A U.S. judge has determined that former Rosneft chief Eduard Khudainatov cannot claim ownership of the $300 million superyacht Amadea, which U.S. authorities seized in 2022. This ruling helps federal prosecutors in Manhattan move towards the forfeiture and potential auctioning of the yacht.

The decision follows accusations that Khudainatov acted as a 'straw owner' for Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, who was under U.S. sanctions. Judge Dale Ho concluded in an 80-page ruling that Kerimov is likely the true owner, despite Khudainatov's nominal ownership status.

The ruling comes amid changing U.S. diplomatic ties with Russia, following the disbandment of Task Force KleptoCapture and a halt in military aid to Ukraine under President Donald Trump.

(With inputs from agencies.)