Germany Seizes $648M Superyacht Owned By Russian Oligarch

German authorities say they have seized a massive superyacht in Hamburg after determining that it belongs to the sister of Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Photo Insert: Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov during a meeting with pal Russian President Vladimir Putin

The Federal Criminal Police Office said Wednesday that, after “extensive investigations” and despite “offshore concealment,” it had been able to determine that the nominal owner is Gulbakhor Ismailova, Usmanov’s sister. Superyacht Dilbar was launched in 2016 at a reported cost of more than $648 million.

The German police office said German authorities worked in Brussels to ensure that European Union (EU) sanctions applied to the owner. It says the yacht can no longer be sold, rented, or loaded.

The United States and EU last month announced economic sanctions against Usmanov, a metals magnate, over his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine.

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