US and Spain Seize Luxurious Yacht of Putin's Close Associate

by Cho Seulkina

Published 05 Apr.2022 04:40(KST)

Updated 09 Mar.2023 12:36(KST)

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The United States and Spain have seized a luxury yacht owned by an oligarch close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), on the 4th (local time), authorities from the United States and Spain seized the vessel "Tango," valued at 90 million euros (approximately 120 billion KRW), owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, at Palma Port on the island of Mallorca, Spain.

Vekselberg is the chairman of Russia's Renova Group and is listed on sanction lists in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, he was not included on the European Union (EU) sanctions list. This seizure was carried out as the United States, the EU, and others formed a task force to freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs who serve as financial backers of President Putin's war efforts.