Displaying items by tag: yachts seized

The department of transport has blocked yachts from leaving Britain over suspected links to oligarchs, and ships linked to Russia have been turned away or redirected when attempting to enter British shores. Grant Shapps told the House of Commons, ‘I can confirm that we are investigating yachts moored in this country we suspect are linked to Russian oligarchs. I have taken steps to ensure that they are unable to depart, and investigations are ongoing. Ten Russian-linked ships have been turned away or redirected on their course. Eight ships or their companies have severed their Russian ties.’ Data from Marine Traffic, a global intelligence group, shows yachts owned by oligarchs are on the move, and sailing out to sea. Anti-corruption activist Bill Browder said, ‘No self-respecting oligarchy exists without a yacht. What we're seeing now is an escape on the high seas.'