The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance explained that the investigation “conducted by the financial police had established ‘significant economic and financial links’ between the vessel and senior Russian government officials and individuals sanctioned by the European Union” after Russia invaded Ukraine, according to Forbes.
The mega yacht, valued according to estimates between 485 and 635 million euros, was the subject of an investigation “for many months”, while in dry dock at Marina di Carrara, Tuscany. But it had been launched on Tuesday “raising fears that he will leave Italy before the end of the investigation”specifies the American economic magazine.
The identity of the Scheherazade’s owner – undisclosed by Italian authorities – is the subject of much speculation, but the name of the Russian president himself is on everyone’s lips.
A survey by the Anti-Corruption Foundation of Russian opponent Alexei Navalny, published at the end of March, points the finger at Vladimir Putin, noting that “all crew members are Russian citizens employed by the Federal Protective Service, the agency in charge of Putin’s personal protection”.
Other publications put forward the name of Eduard Khudainatov, former boss of the Russian oil giant Rosneft and close to Putin, but the New York Times spoke to a former crew member, who claims to have never heard of Mr. Khuainatov. “On board, we were openly discussing the fact that Putin was the real owner of the Scheherazade”he says.
The mega yacht, 140 meters long, left the German Lürssen shipyards in 2020 and is maintained by The Italian Sea Group. It has two platforms for helicopters, a beauty salon, a cinema, a spa, and a gym, understands Forbes.