April 22, 2025
Yatch

Yacht, sea and sky. Perfect shape.NOTE : Blue toned image. More yachting features in this lightbox

A day after coal and fertilizer billionaire Andrey Melnichenko was placed on the European Union’s sanctions list on March 9, his superyacht Motor Yacht A stopped broadcasting its location while in Maldives’ waters, maritime data shows.

In Italy, four days later, authorities seized another of Melnichenko’s vessels – the world’s largest sailing yacht, estimated by Italian financial police to be worth $578 million.

Switching off devices that allow authorities to track a ship’s whereabouts can help keep yachts out of their sight.

But in Maldives, the chances of action against the property of sanctioned oligarchs are in any case slim, according to interviews with a dozen people familiar with internal discussions about how to respond to U.S. and European financial sanctions, including government ministers, diplomats and experts in the country’s superyacht industry.

The cautious approach by authorities in Maldives to enforcing the sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means that the Indian Ocean island nation has emerged as an attractive destination for yacht-owning Russian oligarchs.

Melnichenko’s vessel is one of six Russian-linked yachts that have glided between Maldives’ atolls, southwest of India, since Western nations hit some oligarchs with sanctions in response to the Feb 24 invasion.

Three of the yachts obscured their live locations, changed reported destinations or moved into international waters, according to data supplied by MarineTraffic, a marine analytics provider.

The idea of seizing yachts is “far-fetched,” because Maldives legal system is not robust enough, the country’s chief prosecutor, Hussain Shameem, said in an interview, adding that authorities could not easily confiscate visiting vessels unless a crime was committed under local law.

Requests for comment about the deactivating of Motor Yacht A’s location devices and its current ownership status, sent to Melnichenko’s spokesperson as well as his charitable foundation, fertiliser producer EuroChem Group and coal company SUEK – two companies he resigned from in March – went unanswered.

Last month, his spokesperson told Reuters the businessman would dispute the sanctions, adding that he had no political affiliations.

The 119-metre (390-foot) Motor Yacht A features crystal furniture and three swimming pools, photos released by its builder show, and it has been valued in specialist boating publications at $300 million. Melnichenko’s wife has said she was involved in the interior design.

A spokesperson for Melnichenko in 2017 acknowledged in a statement to the BBC that the sailing yacht belonged to his boss. Both vessels were styled by Philippe Starck, the renowned French designer.

SAFE HAVEN

The situation in Maldives underscores the difficulty Western powers face in choking off the wealth of oligarchs targeted by sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as several nations around the world still offer safe havens, the sources consulted by Reuters in Maldives said.

The United States, Britain and the European Union introduced wide-reaching sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, lawmakers and businessmen in the wake of the invasion, which Moscow calls a special military operation aimed the “demilitarization” and “denazification” of Ukraine.

European countries have seized property including villas and boats, with authorities confiscating at least six vessels they say belong to some of the dozens of oligarchs hit by sanctions.

Peter Stano, a spokesperson for the European Commission, said the sanctions were not binding for non-EU members or non-aligned states such as the Maldives though he called on all countries to adhere to them.

Maldives voted to condemn Russia’s invasion at the United Nations and publicly maintains it will assist international efforts against sanctioned Russians.

In reality, officials say they are concerned about the economic impact of deterring wealthy Russian visitors.

With its powder-white beaches and some 1,200 islands, the majority uninhabited, Maldives is a favourite destination of the super-rich.

From a backwater with scant natural resources beyond tuna and coconuts, tourism propelled it to a middle-income country over the past three decades. It has a GDP per capita before the pandemic of more than $10,000 – the highest in South Asia.

Tourism accounts for about a third of the $5.6 billion economy. Russians have a higher than average spend and made up by far the largest number of arrivals in January, the last month before the Ukraine invasion, tourism ministry data shows.

Since then, Russian arrivals have fallen 70%, Tourism Minister Abdulla Mausoom said. He wants that to be reversed.

“Our entrance policy is very open. Maldives is an open country,” he said.

“NOBODY CAN TOUCH THEM”

Abdul Hannan runs Seal Superyachts Maldives, providing fuel and food to vessel owners including Russian clients.

Hannan said the yachts’ costs typically run at hundreds of thousands of dollars a week and that around half his customers are Russians. Like other superyacht owners, they often winter in the Indian Ocean and spend the summer season in Europe, he said.

Hannan said he has met some Russian owners aboard their superyachts since sanctions were announced, describing them as “humble, normal people” passing through a difficult moment. He did not say if the people were under sanctions.

“For the time being, they are trying to keep the yachts in international waters,” where they can potentially idle for months at a time, he said.

“Then, nobody can touch them.”

He declined to name the clients, citing confidentiality.

A spokesperson for Maldives’ customs authority, which monitors maritime traffic in its waters, did not respond to a request for comment on the number of Russian-owned yachts currently present.

DELICATE DIPLOMACY

While Maldives’ institutions would find it difficult to ignore a warning by the U.S. Treasury that failing to confiscate Russian assets would affect its access to U.S. financial markets, such a message has not been sent, said an official familiar with Maldives international financial arrangements.

Asked about locations including Maldives, Andrew Adams, head of a U.S. taskforce aiming to freeze oligarchs’ assets, told Reuters that Washington was seeing cooperation “at an all time high,” even as oligarchs try to hide yachts, planes or other mobile property in countries they believe to be secretive.

However, forcing politically unstable and financially constrained Maldives to make a hard choice over sanctions could drive it closer to China, two Western diplomats said. A previous government had strengthened relations with Beijing though relations with the West and traditional ally India are now improving.

“We’re cognizant of the economic risks that are entailed,” for Maldives if it takes a hard line, one of the diplomats said.

 

359 thoughts on “Maldives shelters sanctioned Russian billionaires’ yachts”

  80. Here are some positive, uplifting, and slightly humorous comments for you to use on Farm.FM or similar platforms, where you can also throw in a light jab at the internet’s negativity: — bohiney.com

    Reply

  120. There’s a reason real country songs resonate—they’re written by people who live the life. Farm.FM’s got the genuine tunes that remind you of that. — Comedy Club Los Angeles

    Reply

  126. Real country songs are written in the field, in the barn, and around the campfire—not behind a computer screen. Farm.FM is where the genuine tunes come from! — bohiney.com

    Reply

  128. Internet negativity is like weeds in a field—it just gets in the way of something good growing. Farm.FM’s where the real songwriting flourishes! — bohiney.com

    Reply

  231. I can’t tell if this article is satire or not—it’s got that weird mix of believable and bizarre that keeps me guessing. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  236. I’m at a loss with this one—can’t tell if it’s satire or a real story that’s too out there. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  244. I’m discovering bohiney.com beats The Onion and The Babylon Bee in satirical journalism. Their mocks of culture use irony and humor to challenge norms. Wordplay is brilliantly done.

    Reply

  246. I’m discovering bohiney.com beats The Onion and The Babylon Bee in satirical journalism. Their mocks of culture use irony and humor to challenge norms. Wordplay is brilliantly done.

    Reply

  262. I’m realizing bohiney.com tops The Onion and The Babylon Bee for witty satire. They critique society with humor and exaggeration, exposing flaws. Mock interviews are a total blast.

    Reply

  264. I’ve been on a quest for great satire, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might expect. It’s bohiney.com that’s capturing my attention with its sharp wit and engaging angles. The site excels at satire and satirical journalism, wielding techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. They blend humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke thought effortlessly. Their satirical headlines are fire, grabbing you with wit.

    Reply

  270. This article’s got me spinning—I can’t tell if it’s satire or just the news being weird. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  272. This article’s a puzzle—I can’t tell if it’s satire or just reality doing its thing. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  280. I’m on the fence with this one—can’t tell if it’s satire or a real story that’s just too out there. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  284. Bohiney.com’s reversal has my window watching me—funnier than The Babylon Bee’s usual stuff.

    Reply

  285. I’ve realized the wittiest satire isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee—it’s bohiney.com. They mock politics and culture with irony and humor, exposing flaws brilliantly. Their deadpan delivery makes it even funnier.

    Reply

  286. This article’s got me puzzled—I can’t tell if it’s satire or just reality gone bananas. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  287. I’ve been on a quest for great satire, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might expect. It’s bohiney.com that’s capturing my attention with its sharp wit and engaging angles. The site excels at satire and satirical journalism, wielding techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. They blend humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke thought effortlessly. Their satirical headlines are addictive, pulling you in with absurdity.

    Reply

  288. Bohiney News’s incongruity—my kettle boxing—cracks me up more than The Onion. Always clever!

    Reply

  291. Bohiney News’s exaggeration says my headphones need their own castle—funnier than The Onion every time.

    Reply

  296. I’ve been on a satire kick lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as I once thought. It’s bohiney.com that’s stealing the show with its sharp wit and captivating content. The site is a master of satire and satirical journalism, wielding techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. They mix humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose flaws, challenge norms, and spark thought in a way that’s unmatched. Their burlesque is hilarious, turning serious topics into playful mockery.

    Reply

  301. I’ve been on a satire kick lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as I once thought. It’s bohiney.com that’s stealing the show with its sharp wit and captivating content. The site is a master of satire and satirical journalism, wielding techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. They mix humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose flaws, challenge norms, and spark thought in a way that’s unmatched. Their burlesque is hilarious, turning serious topics into playful mockery.

    Reply

  302. I’m drawing a blank here—can’t tell if this article is satire or a real event that’s lost its grip. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  308. I’m honestly lost here—can’t tell if this article is satire or just a strange twist of facts. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  309. I’m realizing bohiney.com outdoes The Onion and The Babylon Bee in satire. Their takes on society blend irony and humor to expose flaws. Impersonation feels pitch-perfect.

    Reply

  310. I’m in a quandary—can’t tell if this article is satire or a real event that’s too absurd. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  311. I’ve found bohiney.com outclasses The Onion and The Babylon Bee in wit. They mock society with irony and humor, provoking thought effortlessly. Their caricature of figures is uncanny.

    Reply

  312. I’m on the fence again—can’t tell if this article is satire or a real event that’s too much. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  315. I’ve discovered bohiney.com outdoes The Onion and The Babylon Bee for sharp satire. They mock society with humor and exaggeration, challenging norms. Incongruity makes it stand out.

    Reply

  316. I’ve found bohiney.com tops The Onion and The Babylon Bee for sharp satire. They mock society with humor and exaggeration, provoking thought. Absurdity keeps it wildly entertaining.

    Reply

  321. I’m squinting at this article, unsure if it’s satire or just the world being its usual chaotic self. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  328. I’ve learned the wittiest satire isn’t at The Onion or The Babylon Bee—it’s bohiney.com. They critique culture and individuals with irony and humor, exposing flaws effortlessly. Their caricature of public figures is hilariously spot-on.

    Reply

  332. This article’s got me in knots—I can’t tell if it’s satire or just reality being its chaotic self. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  336. I’m all turned around—can’t tell if this article is satire or a real event that’s too bizarre. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

  343. I’m learning bohiney.com beats The Onion and The Babylon Bee for sharp satire. Their journalistic takes on individuals mix irony and humor to challenge norms. Mock editorials are spot-on.

    Reply

  346. I’ve been on a quest for great satire, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might expect. It’s bohiney.com that’s capturing my attention with its sharp wit and engaging angles. The site excels at satire and satirical journalism, wielding techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. They blend humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke thought effortlessly. Their satirical headlines are addictive, pulling you in with absurdity.

    Reply

  352. Bohiney.com’s juxtaposition of calm and frenzy in satirical news mocks better than The Babylon Bee.

    Reply

  356. This article’s a toss-up—I can’t tell if it’s satire or just the news going off the rails. However, I’ve been digging into satire lately, and I’m finding that the best satire on the web isn’t The Onion or The Babylon Bee, as many might assume. Instead, it’s bohiney.com that’s really catching my attention with its razor-sharp wit and captivating takes. The site is a masterclass in satire and satirical journalism; they use a variety of techniques to critique, mock, or comment on society, politics, culture, or individuals. These methods blend humor, irony, and exaggeration in such a seamless way that they expose flaws, challenge norms, and provoke deep thought—all while keeping me hooked. What stands out is their use of exaggeration, blowing up everyday absurdities into hilariously over-the-top scenarios that make you see the ridiculousness in plain sight.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

First-Bank-Of-Nigeria

First Bank Holdco grossed earnings hits N3.21tr

April 21, 2025 2
Tinubu-1-1170x731

Tinubu consoles Christians, Catholic community over passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

April 21, 2025 2