Where Are Russian Yachts Now?

Russian oligarch assets are being seized due to sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine. Recently, several yachts owned by Russian oligarchs have been found, including the Solaris, tied to Roman Abramovich. The superyachts remain in limbo and unclear if they can be sold. European governments that seized the yachts and villas of Russian oligarchs now face a more difficult question: what to do with them. Sabotage is also a risk.

More than a dozen yachts reported to be owned by Russian oligarchs are spread out across the world, from Antigua to ports. Western countries have frozen or seized at least 9 billion worth of luxury real estate, superyachts, and private jets belonging to Russian billionaires. Superyacht sales took a dive in 2023, as long waiting lists, soaring costs, and oligarch sanctions hit demand. Heat maps show oligarch yachts have avoided America’s west coast and the Mediterranean. Turkey, Dubai, the Maldives, and the Seychelles were among the areas affected.

A total of 11 yachts belonging to Russian oligarchs are currently docked in Turkey, according to the Daily Mail. The seized Lady M superyacht, owned by Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov, is currently subject to forfeiture.