British authorities today arrested the luxury yacht of a wealthy Russian citizen in London. According to the National Crime Agency, it is the first time that a superyacht has been detained in British waters. Authorities did not say who the owner was.
According to British Transport Minister Grant Shapps, the futuristic-looking luxury liner called “Phi” is worth nearly €45 million.
Reuters/National Crime Agency
According to the manufacturer, the yacht has a swimming pool and a wine cellar on board. The arrest turned “a symbol of Russian power and wealth” into a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his supporters, Shapps said, according to the statement.
The Russian citizen was identified by officials from an anti-kleptocracy unit, according to the statement. “The property was deliberately well hidden. The company under which the ship is registered is headquartered in the islands of St Kittis and Nevis and the ship carried Maltese flags to disguise its origin.