SCHEHERAZADE
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20 days ago
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Putin yacht seems to be sailing again despite sanctions
The 'Scheherazade', attributed to Vladimir Putin, was recently spotted in Italian waters near Porto di Carrara, located about 50 kilometers from Pisa. The yacht has been idle for a long time, but is now active again in the waters of Tuscany. The yacht’s spotting follows rumors that several seized vessels belonging to Russian dignitaries appear to be enjoying freedom again. The vessel’s presence in Italian waters suggests a possible revision of sanctions or practical complications in managing these vast assets. European sanctions and oligarchs’ yachts, the seizure of which was one of the visible measures taken by Europe in response to the war of Russia against the Ukraine. These actions were aimed at freezing the assets of Russian oligarchs and prominent figures associated with the Kremlin. Almost a quarter of the 65 registered yachts belonging to Russian oligarchs were temporarily detained in countries such as Spain, Turkey and Italy. Although the sanctions initially seemed effective, the complexity and costs associated with managing these vessels, combined with legal and diplomatic pressure, appear to be contributing to their release.
Seized yacht being refurbished in Marina die Carrara
The 'Scheherazade', linked to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, is being refitted on the unnamed owner's dime in the Marina di Carrara. Italy seized the superyacht in May 2022, but has allowed its unnamed sanctioned owner to continue paying for the vessel's staff, maintenance, and a refit in the Tuscan port. It is being refurbished by the Milan-listed Italian Sea Group. The owner of the 'Scheherazade' is Eduard Khudainatov, the sanctioned former CEO of Russian state oil company Rosneft. However, the oligarch is merely the "straw owner" of the vessel. US authorities believe the superyacht could belong to Putin.
Detained mega yacht kept from fleeing
Close surveillance was carried out over the weekend of May 7/8 on the 'Scheherazade' after it was impounded in the early hours of May 7 at the port of Carrara by tax police officers in the belief that the vessel was about to flee Italy. Officers boarded the yacht to warn its British captain, Guy Bennett Pearce, not to set sail as a patrol ship was blocking the vessel’s route. Later that day a police helicopter monitored the yacht as a patrol vessel stayed in the port, revealing the determination of the police not to let the yacht slip away.
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