Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the international community has issued sanctions and taken other punitive measures against Russian officials and oligarchs.
As a result, superyachts and other assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars belonging to some of Russia's wealthiest people have been seized or detained.
While the US and other western allies have continued to pursue action against wealthy Russians, vessel-tracking websites have shown a large number of luxury yachts leaving Europe in recent weeks to destinations such as the Maldives, which has no extradition treaty with Washington.
Here are the Russian-linked superyachts that have been detained so far.
Axioma
Russian link: This vessel belongs to Russia's largest steel pipe maker, billionaire Dmitrievich Pumpyansky, who has been sanctioned by the EU.
Date held: On March 21, the Axioma docked in Gibraltar and was subsequently detained by authorities.
Size: The yacht is 72 metres long and is owned by British Virgin Islands company Pyrene Investments, of which Mr Pumpyansky is believed to be a beneficiary.
Flag: The vessel was travelling under a Maltese flag.
Little Bear I and Little Bear II
Russian connection: Alexey Kuzmichev, 59, is a main shareholder of the Alfa Group. In a March 15 announcement, the EU said Mr Kuzmichev has “well-established ties to the Russian president”. His two yachts, Little Bear I and Little Bear II, are together worth more than $100 million.
Date held: The two yachts were seized on March 22 in France's Cannes and Antibes.
Size: Little Bear I is 17 metres long and worth $22m while Little Bear II is 26 metres long and is worth $77m.
Amore Vero
Russian connection: Although unconfirmed, the Amore Vero is believed to have links to sanctioned Russian chief executive of oil company Rosneft Igor Sechin, whom the EU calls one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's “most trusted and closest advisers” and one of the “most powerful members of Russian political elite".
Date held: French authorities said they seized the Amore Vero on March 4 as it was attempting to leave French territorial waters. A statement by the French Ministry of Economy said the vessel was scheduled for repairs which would last for three months but “was making arrangements to sail urgently” without completing the work.
Size: The 86-metre-long vessel is valued at $120m.
Crescent
Russian connection: Also believed to belong to Igor Schin, the Crescent was detained by Spanish authorities while docked in the Mediterranean port city of Tarragona. Authorities said they will hold the yacht until they determine its true owner.
Date held: It was seized on March 16 although it was scheduled to depart on March 4, but never did.
Size: At 135 metres long, this yacht is considered one of the biggest in the world and was sailing under a Cayman Islands flag. Specialist website SuperYachtFan estimates the vessel to be worth $600m.
Lady Anastasia
Russian connection: Also in Spain's Mallorca, authorities retained the Lady Anastasia, which belongs to Russian oligarch Alexander Mikheyev, general director of Russia's Rosoboronexport, a state-owned defence exporter. The vessel was partially sunk by a Ukrainian worker on board in protest of the Russian invasion and the suspected owner's involvement in supplying arms to the war effort.
Date held: On March 15, local media said authorities were sealing the boat and keeping it from leaving.
Size: At 47 metres long, the boat is estimated to be worth $7.15m and is sailing under the flag of St Vincent and Grenadines.
Valerie
Russian connection: In yet another seizure by Spanish authorities, this time in Barcelona, the Valerie is believed to be linked to Russian aerospace and defence conglomerate chief Sergei Chemezov, who owns Rostec. He has been sanctioned by the US.
Date held: The Valerie was detained on March 15 for belonging to what the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called “one of the principal oligarchs” of Russia. “There will be more,” Mr Sanchez said on national television. The vessel was undergoing repairs at the time it was captured.
Size: The 85-metre-long boat is estimated to be worth $140m.
Sailing Yacht A
Russian connection: Owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, the enormous vessel was seized by Italian police in the port of Trieste.
Date held: Authorities detained the ship on March 12.
Size: At a whopping 142 metres long, Sailing Yacht A is one of only three sailing yachts longer than 100 metres and is the world's largest private sail-assisted motor yacht. Currently under the flag of Isle of Man, the vessel is estimated to be worth $600m by specialised publication SuperYachtFan.
Lady M and Lena
Russian connection: Also in Italy, police detained the Lady M owned by steel tycoon and the so-called richest man in Russia, Alexey Mordashov, in the port of Imperia. The Lena yacht belonging to Gennady Timchenko, a Russian oil and gas mogul, was “blocked” in Sanremo.
Date held: Authorities took over the vessels on March 4.
Size: The Lady M is 65 metres long and is estimated to cost $55m. Less is known about the Lena which Italian officials say is 42 metres long.
Quantum Blue
Russian connection: The Quantum Blue is owned by a company linked to Russian billionaire Sergei Galitsky, who heads Rosneft — making him the second company executive to be affected by the boat seizures. The vessel was seized in south of France in Monaco's port Hercule.
Date held: Authorities took over the boat on March 3.
Size: The 104-metre-long vessel is estimated to cost $250m.
Dilbar
Russian connection: The Dilbar is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who named the boat after his mother. It was seized by German authorities in Hamburg. It is the largest yacht in the world by interior volume.
Date held: The vessel was detained on March 3 in a decision that Mr Usmanov called “unfair” and “defamatory".
Size: The 156-metre-long yacht is estimated to be worth $800m.
THE SCORES
Ireland 125 all out
(20 overs; Stirling 72, Mustafa 4-18)
UAE 125 for 5
(17 overs, Mustafa 39, D’Silva 29, Usman 29)
UAE won by five wickets
RESULTS
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
GRAN%20TURISMO
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More from Aya Iskandarani
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
Results
Ashraf Ghani 50.64 per cent
Abdullah Abdullah 39.52 per cent
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar 3.85 per cent
Rahmatullah Nabil 1.8 per cent
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Norway
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Canada
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Profile of Whizkey
Date founded: 04 November 2017
Founders: Abdulaziz AlBlooshi and Harsh Hirani
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 10
Sector: AI, software
Cashflow: Dh2.5 Million
Funding stage: Series A
Roll%20of%20Honour%2C%20men%E2%80%99s%20domestic%20rugby%20season
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
What you as a drone operator need to know
A permit and licence is required to fly a drone legally in Dubai.
Sanad Academy is the United Arab Emirate’s first RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) training and certification specialists endorsed by the Dubai Civil Aviation authority.
It is responsible to train, test and certify drone operators and drones in UAE with DCAA Endorsement.
“We are teaching people how to fly in accordance with the laws of the UAE,” said Ahmad Al Hamadi, a trainer at Sanad.
“We can show how the aircraft work and how they are operated. They are relatively easy to use, but they need responsible pilots.
“Pilots have to be mature. They are given a map of where they can and can’t fly in the UAE and we make these points clear in the lectures we give.
“You cannot fly a drone without registration under any circumstances.”
Larger drones are harder to fly, and have a different response to location control. There are no brakes in the air, so the larger drones have more power.
The Sanad Academy has a designated area to fly off the Al Ain Road near Skydive Dubai to show pilots how to fly responsibly.
“As UAS technology becomes mainstream, it is important to build wider awareness on how to integrate it into commerce and our personal lives,” said Major General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief, Dubai Police.
“Operators must undergo proper training and certification to ensure safety and compliance.
“Dubai’s airspace will undoubtedly experience increased traffic as UAS innovations become commonplace, the Forum allows commercial users to learn of best practice applications to implement UAS safely and legally, while benefitting a whole range of industries.”
The specs: 2018 Ford Mustang GT
Price, base / as tested: Dh204,750 / Dh241,500
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 460hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 569Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.3L / 100km
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Timeline
1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line
1962
250 GTO is unveiled
1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company
1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens
1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made
1987
F40 launched
1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent
2002
The Enzo model is announced
2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi
2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled
2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives
2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company
2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street
2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary
