Federal judge authorizes US to seize two of Roman Abramovich’s private jets
A federal judge in New York on Monday authorized the US government to seize two private jets owned by Roman Abramovich, after they flew to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, officials said.
The order from Judge Sarah Cave, based in Manhattan, is one of several sanctions from the US and other western countries aimed at billionaires from Russia since the invasion in February.
Requested by federal agents in New York’s southern US district, Cave’s mandate centers on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and a Gulfstream G650ER that both belong to Abramovich, who is a close associate of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
US justice department prosecutors said in a statement both jets flew to Russia in March, violating export restrictions the US imposed on Putin’s regime over its attack on Ukraine.
It is unclear when American officials might be able to take away Abramovich’s jets as long as they avoid the US or one of the territories that the country controls. The Boeing, worth $350m, is in Dubai, the justice department said in federal court filings. The Gulfstream, worth $60m, is in Russia.
Abramovich owns the planes through shell companies rooted in Cyprus, Jersey and the British Virgin Islands, the US justice department said. Besides seizing the jets, the department said, government prosecutors are seeking penalties of up twice their value.
The assistant director of the FBI, Michael Driscoll, said in a statement that Russian oligarchs like Abramovich “have helped foster an environment that enabled Russia to pursue its deadly war in Ukraine”.
“The seizure of their valuable possessions, including these two aircraft, is just one way the US government holds accountable those who break US laws and support Russia in its attempt to
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