Superyacht to Russian billionaire sold at auction in Gibraltar – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries

The superyacht “Axioma” worth NOK 750 million was owned by the Russian billionaire Dmitry Pumpyansky. Now, however, the 58-year-old billionaire, who according to Forbes is worth more than $2 billion, no longer has any superyachts. On Tuesday, the 72 meter long boat was sold at auction in Gibraltar. The boat has been docked here since it was seized by the authorities in March. “Axioma” is one of several superyachts that have been seized from Russian oligarchs following the invasion of Ukraine in February. The boat is the first to be sold at auction. Who will now be able to enjoy lazy days in the boat with swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, 3D cinema and 12 berths is not known. The superyacht “Axioma” docks in Gibraltar. It has been here since it was seized by the authorities in March. Photo: JON NAZCA / Reuters Unable to repay loan It was the major American bank, JP Morgan, who requested that the boat be taken into custody. A few months before the invasion of Ukraine in February, the bank had given a loan of 20 million euros in which Pumpyansky stood as guarantor. But the invasion of Ukraine led to several wealthy Russians being blacklisted by Western countries. Pumpjanskij was added to the sanctions lists of both the USA, the EU and the UK. The businessman has made a fortune as owner and chairman of TMK. The company produces steel pipes for the oil and gas industry. The Russian billionaire, Dmitry Pumpyansky, ended up on the sanctions lists of several Western countries as a result of the war in Ukraine. As a result, his superyacht has now been sold at auction. Photo: MAXIM SHEMETOV / Reuters After the Russian was sanctioned, the bank wanted nothing more to do with the billionaire or his companies. JP Morgan believed the bank could no longer accept money that could be traced back to the billionaire because of the sanctions, according to The Moscow Times. In July, the bank was granted by a court in Gibraltar that the boat could be sold. Great interest The interest ahead of the auction was very great, according to The New York Times. The auction house in Gibraltar was contacted by potential buyers from the US, UK, Canada and Turkey. Around 30 people flew to the British crown colony on the southern tip of Spain to take a closer look at the boat, according to The Guardian. The auction itself took place digitally. The bids were secret and were sent electronically, according to Reuters. A total of 63 bids were received. Who finally won the contract for the boat and at what price, will only be known when the sale is finalized in two weeks, writes Bloomberg.



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