Spain Moves Yacht Linked to Russian Oligarch After Payments Stop
Spanish authorities moved a luxury yacht linked to the sanctioned head of Russian defence group Rostec after the shipyard where it was berthed stopped receiving payments for its repairs, a transport ministry source said.The multi-million-dollar Valerie was transferred to a marina last month, the source and other officials said, highlighting the logistical challenges authorities have faced managing vessels being held across Europe because of sanctions imposed over Russia's military actions in Ukraine.Spain ordered the ship "frozen" - meaning the vessel can not be used or sold - in March, saying it was acting on European Union sanctions.
Liberian Oil Tanker Hijacked
On the morning of May 5, the Liberia flagged (Russian operated) Oil Tanker Moscow University, was hijacked approximately 350 nautical miles east of Socatra. At the time of the attack, the Moscow University was heading east with a final destination of China. The ship has a crew of 23, all from Russia, and all are believed to be well. Moscow University, with dead weight of 106,474 tones, was not registered with Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) for their recent transit through the IRTC but they had reported to UKMTO.