Former Google executive acquires abandoned superyacht through a transparent process.

Former Google Executive Purchases Abandoned Superyacht

A former Google executive, Eric Schmidt, known for his involvement in Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, has made a remarkable acquisition. He has purchased an abandoned superyacht in Antigua and Barbuda, which was previously owned by a sanctioned Russian oligarch.

The superyacht, named Alfa Nero, has been left deserted off the southern coast of Antigua since March 2022. Despite being sanctioned by several countries in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the previous owner, Andrey Guryev, denies owning the 276-foot vessel.

Alfa Nero is not your average yacht. It boasts luxurious features such as an on-board helipad, a 40-foot infinity pool, a spa, and a Jacuzzi.

Efforts to block the auction of the superyacht in court were unsuccessful. However, the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda did allow a judicial review of the yacht’s ownership.

Eric Schmidt, with an estimated net worth of $25 billion, emerged as the winner of the auction with a bid of $67.6 million. The purchase was hailed as a “fully transparent process” by Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua’s ambassador to the U.S.

Although Schmidt listed a New York address when acquiring the yacht, reports suggest that he was working towards becoming a citizen of Cyprus in 2020.

The auction faced last-minute challenges as two ownership claims emerged just before the sale. However, the attorney general of Antigua and Barbuda dismissed these claims, stating that they lacked merit and would not hinder the sale.

Andrew O’Kola, an attorney representing one or more of the parties claiming ownership, disputed this assertion. He emphasized that the government’s argument regarding the legal transfer of ownership was still being challenged in court.

Last month, the U.S. Treasury Department granted a license to the government of Antigua and Barbuda to auction the Alfa Nero.

Schmidt now has a week to finalize the transaction and take possession of the superyacht. Port Authority manager Darwin Telemacque expressed the urgency of moving the vessel due to the ongoing hurricane season. He emphasized the need to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew.

With the purchase complete, Schmidt’s ownership of the superyacht marks an intriguing chapter in its history.

Source: The Western Journal

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