Russian oligarch's yacht seized in Fiji following DOJ pursuit

The yacht of Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov has been seized in Fiji at the request of U.S. authorities.

The seizure Tuesday of the nearly 350-foot luxury vessel followed a Fiji court's approval of a warrant from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. 

The Justice Department has been working with foreign governments to gain approval to seize the overseas assets of Russian oligarchs since the onset of the war in Ukraine. 

The courts found that the yacht in question, The Amadea, is allegedly connected to crimes including violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and money laundering. 

Law enforcement officials in Fiji were aided by the FBI and the DOJ's KleptoCapture Task Force, which is currently working to enforce sanctions made following Russian's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. 

Kerimov was sanctioned by the U.S. for his role as a Russian government official and member of the Russian Federation Counsel, in connection with the invasion that started in late February. The DOJ says the oligarch has profited from Russian corruption and the country's occupation of Crimea. 

The Amadea is estimated to be worth $300 million. 

"This ruling should make clear that there is no hiding place for the assets of individuals who violate U.S. laws. And there is no hiding place for the assets of criminals who enable the Russian regime," Attorney General Merrick Garland said.