Superyachts owned by Russian oligarchs with ties to President Vladimir Putin are moving as the US.
Meanwhile, its allies prepare new penalties against their property in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine.
Since a wide range of sanctions were announced in recent days by leaders around the world.
Four massive yachts owned by Russian business leaders have been moving toward Montenegro and the Maldives.
Including the US Treasury targeting Russia’s central bank.
According to data reviewed by CNBC from Marine Traffic.
The property of targeted Russian executives is likely to be targeted again.
Along with the Biden administration who recently announced the formation of a task force to investigate the matter.
Additionally, France is compiling a list of Russian oligarchs’ assets, including cars and yachts, that might be taken if the European Union imposes penalties.
"This week, we will launch a multilateral Transatlantic task force to identify, hunt down, and freeze the assets of sanctioned Russian companies and oligarchs.
As a result, their yachts, mansions, and any other ill-gotten gains that we can find and freeze under the law,”
Meanwhile, Russia’s wealthiest are relocating their boats to other sites, possibly in the hopes of avoiding having their belongings seized.
According to Marine Traffic, Vagit Alekperov, the president of Russia’s Lukoil, is sailing his boat to Montenegro.
It is expected to arrive in the near future from Barcelona, Spain in the next few days.
According to Superyacht Fan, which records the comings and goings of these types of vessels, Alekperov’s yacht is called Galactica Super Nova, and it has a “6-meter glass-bottom swimming pool with a waterfall.”
There’s also a helipad with touch-and-go capability, an elevator, and a big beach club.”
As claimed by Forbes, Alekperov has a net worth of just under $25 billion.
Montenegro is a NATO member.
Its foreign minister stated that the country, which requested EU membership in 2008, will join the EU’s sanctions on Russia.
At least three more Russian millionaires’ yachts are approaching the Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean.