US auctions seized $325M Russian superyacht for first time

The United States has opened its first auction of a seized Russian superyacht since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, offering the $325 million luxury vessel Amadea for sale in a sealed bid process that closes September 10. The auction comes as President Donald Trump seeks to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war.mymotherlode+1

The 348-foot Amadea, seized in Fiji in April 2022 and currently docked in San Diego, represents one of the most valuable Russian oligarch assets to reach the auction block under Western sanctions. Built by German shipbuilder Lürssen in 2017, the yacht features eight staterooms, a helipad, swimming pool, gym, spa, and beauty salon, accommodating up to 16 guests and 36 crew members.cbsnews+3

Ownership Dispute Resolved

The auction follows a lengthy legal battle over the yacht's ownership. U.S. prosecutors alleged the vessel belongs to sanctioned Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, who made his fortune in gold mining and was sanctioned in 2018 for money laundering allegations. Eduard Khudainatov, former chief executive of state-controlled oil giant Rosneft, claimed ownership through shell companies but was rejected by U.S. District Court Judge Dale Ho in March 2025.mymotherlode+3

According to CBS News, federal prosecutors successfully argued that Khudainatov served as a "straw owner" to conceal the yacht's true ownership from Kerimov. The judge found that despite Khudainatov's connection to the vessel, Kerimov and his family exclusively used the yacht and planned its maintenance.megayachtnews+1

Auction Details and Challenges

The sealed bid auction, administered by Florida-based National Maritime Services in collaboration with Fraser Yachts, requires bidders to submit a $10 million deposit. Potential buyers must demonstrate at least $500 million in net worth to participate, according to CBS News.businessinsider+2

However, Khudainatov's legal team warns that purchasing the yacht carries risks. "We doubt it will attract any rational buyer at fair market price, because ownership can, and will, be challenged in courts outside the United States, exposing purchasers to years of costly, uncertain litigation," said attorney Adam Ford. Khudainatov is appealing the forfeiture ruling and has pledged to pursue sale proceeds if successful in court.mymotherlode+1

The yacht has remained largely untouched since seizure, costing U.S. taxpayers approximately $600,000 monthly in maintenance and storage fees. The sale represents the Justice Department's first major auction under its disbanded KleptoCapture Task Force, which targeted Russian oligarch assets following the Ukraine invasion.megayachtnews+2