RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRES MOVE YACHTS TO MALDIVES

Ship tracking data has shown that at least five superyachts owned by Russian billionaires were in the area of the Maldives.

The island nation of Maldives has become the latest spot for these superyachts to be ‘stored’ as the United States has vowed to take strict action to seize the property, including yachts and mansions, of sanctioned Russians.

The Maldives is located off the coast of Sri Lanka and it’s seen as a safe haven for these superyachts as the nation doesn’t have an extradition treaty with the United States.

According to shipping database MarineTraffic, the Clio is anchored off the capital Male since Wednesday. The Clio is a superyacht owned by Oleg Deripaska, founder of aluminium giant Rusal.

Business Insider reports that the Titan, owned by Alexander Abramov, co-founder of steel producer Evraz, arrived on 28 February while three other yachts owned by Russian billionaires were seen cruising in Maldives waters on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Russian football club owner Roman Abramovich has made a shocking announcement that he will be selling Chelsea Football Club and donating net proceeds from the sale to benefit all victims of the war in Ukraine.

In a statement released on the club’s website, Abramovich has said that he made the decision with the club’s best interest at heart.

“In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.”

A charitable foundation is in the process of being set up to handle the donation of the money. In the statement, Abramovich said that the donation “incudes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery”.

Image credit: Eurosport