London: A Russian billionaire’s superyacht named ‘Phi’ was seized in London on Tuesday. This superyacht has been confiscated under British government sanctions over the ongoing war in Ukraine and is the first ship caught in London.
Officials from the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) new ‘Combating Kleptocracy Cell’ have given the notice to seize the £38 million superyachts parked on Canary Wharf.
Due to the speedy work of intelligence officers, the ship’s owner was identified and a ban on the ship was recommended, the agency said.
Britain’s Transport Minister Grant Shapps said: “Today we have detained the £38 million superyachts and turned the symbol of Russia’s power and wealth into a clear and stern warning to Putin (the Russian President) and his allies.” ”
“The seizure of Fee once again proves that we can and will take the strongest possible action against those taking advantage of ties with Russia,” Shapps said.
The ‘Fei’, owned by an unknown Russian businessman, is the third-largest ship built by the reputed shipbuilding company Roy Haussmann. The company describes the vessel as an “infinite vault of wine” and has been “patented as a freshwater swimming pool”.
Concealed ship owner’s name
NCA’s Andy Devine said, “Today’s activity demonstrates the NCA’s ability to act at a rapid pace. The NCA plays an important role in targeting suspicious properties.
Significantly, the UK government has confiscated the properties of Russian government representatives, businessmen, and nobles and imposed a travel ban on them.
