Russian superyacht arrested in the UK/National Crime Agency
For the first time, a Russian superyacht has been arrested in British waters. The cost of the vessel is 38 million pounds. The superyacht belongs to one of the Russian businessmen with close ties to Putin.
Even on March 13, the almost 59-meter yacht Phi was identified as potentially Russian, and only on March 29 it was nevertheless arrested.
Transport Minister Grant Shapps said the man has not yet been sanctioned, but has “close ties” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.The property of the superyacht was deliberately hidden, the UK government said.< /p>
This move is a harsh and stern warning to Putin and his entourage, Shapps said.
Until the yacht goes nowhere, and the people working for Putin will not be able to benefit from sailing near the UK, the minister added.
UK officials on Tuesday boarded the Phi off Canary Wharf in east London. The vessel was in the capital for a superyacht award ceremony and was due to depart at 12:00.
The company to which the vessel is registered is located in the Caribbean, but at the same time had Maltese flags to hide its origin, according to government.
