- A superyacht linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch is on an epic journey across the Pacific.
- The $325 million, 350-foot Amadea is heading to Fiji from Mexico, tracking data shows.
- The yacht could be making a run for Russia's east coast to avoid Western sanctions.
A $325 million superyacht linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch is on an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean, tracking data shows.
The 350-foot Amadea, which is linked to the gold tycoon Suleyman Kerimov, is headed for the Fijian port of Nadi after traversing the Panama Canal and docking at the Mexican port of Manzanillo, according to Marine Traffic.
Kerimov is thought to be Russia's ninth-richest person and his wealth is put by Forbes at $14.5 billion. He has been sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK over alleged money laundering and his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Amadea's journey puts it closer to the port of Vladivostok, on Russia's east coast, than it does to any other major Russian port.
Kerimov couldn't be reached for comment.
Amadea features a "dedicated party deck" with a "spa pool flanked by sunbeds" that can be "converted into a stage where bands and DJs plug straight into the ship's audio system," according to a review by Boat International. The yacht was delivered in 2017, according to its German maker Lurssen.
Western sanctions have prompted the seizure of superyachts, mansions, and private jets linked to some of Russia's richest people. Some have attempted to evade sanctions by moving their assets to friendly jurisdictions.
Kerimov owes much of his wealth to a 76% stake in Russia's biggest gold producer, Polyus. Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Kerimov's family holding company had reduced its stake in Polyus to 46%.
Amadea is valued by Superyacht Fan at $325 million.
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