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U.S. Closes Sealed Auction for Seized Superyacht Amadea

The sale tests buyer appetite under active ownership appeals, with the vessel’s value sharply lower.

The aft deck of The Amadea.
The Amadea, a mega yacht seized by the Justice Department, is going up for auction.
The owner’s stateroom aboard The Amadea.

Overview

  • Bids closed Wednesday in a sealed process run by National Maritime Services with broker Fraser Yachts, requiring a $10 million deposit.
  • A federal judge in March awarded title to the U.S., finding Eduard Khudainatov and other claimants were likely straw owners without standing.
  • Khudainatov has appealed the ruling, and the Justice Department’s response is due by mid-November, leaving potential legal risk for buyers.
  • Prosecutors say the yacht benefited sanctioned billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, alleging use of the U.S. banking system to cover operating costs.
  • U.S. Marshals report roughly $32 million in custody and maintenance costs since 2022, while current estimates value the vessel at $80 million to $120 million.