$700m ‘Putin superyacht’ seized in Tuscany
A SUPERYACHT reputedly owned by Vladimir Putin has been seized by police as it prepared to set sail from Italy.
The Scheherazade, valued at $700m (€660m), boasts six decks, two helipads, a spa with a cryotherapy chamber, and a swimming pool that can transform into a dance floor.
There is also a self-playing piano that allegedly repeats a song called Vladimir Putin Is A Fine Fellow.
Other indulgences include an aquarium, theatre, ballroom, gold toilet-roll holders and a 4.5-metre TV that cost €1m to install.
Italian tax police impounded the yacht at Massa Carrara in Tuscany after an investigation into the vessel’s ownership.
Following dry-dock repairs, the 140-metre yacht was put in the water last week as crew loaded supplies and had taken on fuel, prompting speculation it was about to leave.
Announcing the move to seize the vessel, Italy’s finance ministry said the ship’s owner had ‘significant business and economic ties’ with ‘key members of the Russian government’ and people subject to sanctions.
The helipads are capable of landing Russian attack helicopters and there is a sophisticated communication and defence system with the ability to shoot drones out of the sky.
It has been speculated that the owner is a front for Putin, a theory backed by researchers working for the jailed dissident, Alexei Navalny.
They claim many of the Russian crew on board are employed by the department of the FSB, Russia’s Federal Security Service, that handles security for high-ranking officials.
Locals said that in recent days there has been a flurry of activity on board.
‘Here in Carrara, everyone calls it “Putin’s yacht”,’ said Giovanni Natale, walking with his wife near the marina.