A court in New York arrested two of Roman Abramovich's private planes: one of them is the most luxurious and expensive in the world
'07.06.2022'
Nadezhda Verbitskaya
A federal judge in New York on June 6 allowed the US government to seize two private jets belonging to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. The thing is that they flew to Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, reports The Guardian.
Judge Sarah Cave's decision is part of sanctions by the US and other Western countries against billionaires from Russia.
Cave's mandate is for Abramovich's private Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and Gulfstream G650ER aircraft. U.S. Justice Department prosecutors said both planes flew to Russia in March, violating restrictions the U.S. had imposed on the Putin regime over its attack on Ukraine.
It is not clear when US officials will be able to physically confiscate Abramovich's planes. The $350 million Boeing is now in Dubai and the $60 million Gulfstream is in Russia. It is highly likely that if these aircraft avoid US airspace and US partner countries, they will be able to avoid actual arrest.
On the subject: What property can Russian oligarchs lose in New York due to US sanctions
According to the US Department of Justice, Abramovich owns the planes through shell companies. In addition to the arrest of aircraft, US prosecutors are seeking fines in excess of their cost twice. FBI Assistant Director Michael Driscoll said Russian oligarchs helped create the conditions that allowed Russia to wage a deadly war in Ukraine.
“The seizure of their valuable property, including these two aircraft, is just one of the ways the US government is holding accountable those who violate US laws and support Russia in its attempt to win a sovereign state,” he added.
Why are these planes so expensive?
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, nicknamed "Bandit" by Abramovich, originally cost less than $100 million, but the oligarch redesigned the plane for himself, and now its price has risen to $350 million. Boeing has a capacity of 50 passengers. On board for their comfort are sofas, a full-scale kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms.
The dining area is more like a banquet hall. Decorated with gold fittings and fine wood furniture.
But the most expensive feature is the anti-missile system. It makes Abramovich's Boeing as safe as US President's Air Force One.
Abramovich, 55, could not be contacted for comment.
The oligarch is known for having owned the Chelsea Football Club from 2003 until the beginning of this year. Last month, the British government approved the sale of Chelsea to Todd Pain, co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bolli is reported to have paid over $4 billion. And now it is the most expensive sale of a sports team in history.
