Spanish authorities seized Valerie, a superyacht owned by Russian Oligarch Sergie Chemezov in March 2022.
The superyacht Valerie is supposed to be worth $110 million.
Valerie: Key Features
The yacht is 85 meters long and can accommodate up to 17 guests in nine cabins and 27 crew members.
The yacht’s designer is Espen Oeino, and the interior designer is Reymond Langton.
Due to EU and U.S. sanctions against Chemezov since 2014 for Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Spanish authorities seized the yacht in March 2022.
Superyacht Valerie: Seizure Details
The yacht’s name has been changed to Meridian A, and it is currently moored in the Marina Vela marina in Barcelona.
It was seized after Chemezov stopped making monthly payments on it, resulting in the official seizure.
Anastasia Ignatova, Chemezov’s stepdaughter, currently owns the yacht.
The yacht was undergoing maintenance work at MB92 in Barcelona, where it was seized.
The yacht’s name has been changed to Meridian A, and it is currently moored in the Marina Vela marina in Barcelona.
Barcelona judge ordered to seize the yacht on November 2, 2022, after the owner stopped paying maintenance fees in June.
Who is Sergei Chemezov?
Sergei Chemezov, born on August 20, 1952, in Cheremkhovo, Irkutsk Oblast, currently holds the position of CEO at Rostec Corporation, a state-owned Russian defence conglomerate.
He previously worked as a KGB Agent and a high-ranking military officer. He had a close relationship with President Vladimir Putin while serving in East Germany in the 1980s.
Chemezov’s wealth significantly expanded during Putin’s presidency, leading to his appointment as CEO of Rostec by Putin in 2007.
He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of several prominent Russian companies, including VSMPOAVISMA, KAMAZ, Rosoboronexport, and Uralkali.
Beyond that, Chemezov is also a member of the Academy of Military Sciences, holds a doctorate in economics, and is a professor with over 130 published words tied to his name. He additionally holds key positions in various Russian organizations, such as the All-Russian Public Organization, the Russian Engineering Union, and the President of the All-Russian Industrial Association of Employers, the Russian Engineering Union.
Sergei Chemezov is a married individual with a stepdaughter named Anastasia Ignatova.
Sanctions on Sergei Chemezov
Since 2014, the United States, the European Union, Australia, and Canada have all placed sanctions on Sergei Chemezov as a result of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its purported destabilization of Ukraine. Russia’s actions were the cause of these sanctions.
The United States Treasury Department placed sanctions on Chemezov and almost one hundred other targets in Putin’s military machine in June 2022. These sanctions prohibited the importation of gold from Russia.
Penalties were implemented as a response to Russia’s invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen reaffirmed her commitment to working alongside partners and allies to implement extra punitive penalties.
FAQ: Superyacht Valarie
Q.1: Who owns the superyacht Valerie?
The yacht is formally owned by Sergei Chemezov’s stepdaughter, Anastasia Ignatova.
Q.2: What is the value of the yacht?
The yacht has been valued at $110 million.
Q.3: Why was the yacht seized?
Spanish authorities seized the yacht in March 2022 due to European Union sanctions on Chemezov.
The yacht was seized after Chemezov stopped making monthly payments on it.
Q.4: What is the current status of the yacht?
The yacht’s name has been changed to Meridian A, and it is currently moored in the Marina Vela marina in Barcelona. The yacht is under “provisional retention,” which is not the same as seizure, according to Spanish authorities.
