Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov’s superyacht seized in Fiji

By Recep Sakar

MELBOURNE, Australia (AA) – Authorities in Fiji have temporarily seized Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov’s luxury yacht, local media reported on Friday.

The superyacht Amadea, worth an estimated $325 million, docked in the port city of Lautoka on Tuesday, according to daily Fiji Sun.

Police launched an investigation and are working “with their foreign counterparts” on the probe, read the report.

“The yacht was searched by the police as part of the investigation," said police chief Sitiveni Qiliho, adding that the ship’s captain and crew have been detained.

He said the vessel will only be allowed to leave Fiji once the investigation is completed.

Kerimov, believed to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is among several Russian oligarchs sanctioned by the US, EU and UK over the Ukraine war.

According to Forbes, he has a net worth of $14.5 billion and is the ninth richest person in Russia.