Superyacht detained in London under Russia sanctions, says Shapps
A superyacht has been detained in London as part of sanctions against Russia, the UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has announced.
Officials boarded Phi, owned by a Russian businessman, in Canary Wharf, east London, on Tuesday. The vessel is the first to be detained in the UK under sanctions imposed because of the war in Ukraine.
Phi – named after the mathematical concept – made its maiden voyage last year after being built in the Netherlands. It is 58.5 metres and features what is described as an “infinite wine cellar” and a freshwater swimming pool. The vessel was in London for a superyacht awards ceremony and was due to depart at noon on Tuesday.
Shapps said: “Today we’ve detained a £38m superyacht and turned an icon of Russia’s power and wealth into a clear and stark warning to Putin and his cronies. Detaining the Phi proves, yet again, that we can and will take the strongest possible action against those seeking to benefit from connections to Putin’s regime.”
The Department for Transport (DfT) said it worked with the National Crime Agency and the Border Force maritime investigation bureau to identify and detain the vessel. It refused to reveal the name of the owner.
The department described Phi’s ownership as “deliberately well-hidden”. The vessel is registered to a company based in Saint Kitts and Nevis and carries a Maltese flag.
The DfT said it was looking at a number of other vessels and hoped its “strong stance sends an example to international partners”.
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