Netherlands Seizes 20 Yachts as Part of Sanctions on Russia

Dutch customs authorities announced on Tuesday that they have seized 20 yachts at shipbuilding yards in the Netherlands following sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus. The customs authorities stated in a press release: "Due to the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus, customs have placed 20 yachts under strict supervision in nine shipbuilding yards." They added, "As they are under strict supervision, the delivery, transfer, or export of these twenty yachts is not allowed." Fourteen of these luxury vessels are currently under construction, while two yachts are stored, and four are undergoing maintenance. The lengths of these yachts range from 8.5 meters to 120 meters. Customs indicated: "It has been established that two of these yachts are linked to an individual listed on the European Union sanctions list." An investigation has been opened regarding another yacht. The Dutch customs authorities announced on Wednesday that they had also seized 14 yachts. Several European countries have recently announced the seizure of yachts targeted by sanctions since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine on February 24.