The United States has seized two luxury planes belonging to a Russian billionaire
The United States has seized two planes belonging to Roman billionaire and Roman Abramovich, owner of the famous football club Chelsea. A court in the country issued warrants for the seizure of the two planes on Monday (June 6th)
International Desk
Read in 2 minutes
A Reuters report said the United States had the authority to seize the two planes in response to a military operation in Ukraine, under sanctions imposed on rich and influential people close to Russia and its government.
However, the government of President Joe Biden is unlikely to gain control of the 400 million aircraft. The U.S. Department of Justice said the Boeing 786 Dreamliner and Gulfstream G650ER were not in U.S. custody. Officials declined to say where it was or whether the government knew its location.
A Manhattan court has issued warrants for the seizure of two aircraft for violating US export policy imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier, the U.S. Department of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the two Abramovich planes. The court's warrant is based on that allegation.
U.S. Justice Department official said the U.S. government was unable to seize the two planes due to legal restrictions. But with the verdict of the court that obstacle was removed.
The official added that the warrant was issued primarily to pressurize Roman Abramovich. U.S. officials say this will force Abramovich to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his campaign in Ukraine.
Abramovich did not comment on the seizure. He has always denied having a close relationship with Putin.
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, US President Joe Biden announced the discovery of all the assets of the Russian elite. And the flights have been operated since the export ban was lifted against Abramovich.
Officials say the two planes needed to be licensed to fly to Russia because they were made in the United States. But Abramovich did not apply for a license.
No comments