Royal Romance Yacht Worth $200 Million: ARMA Prepares to Sell Assets Linked to Viktor Medvedchuk

The National Agency for the Detection and Management of Assets (ARMA) has officially declared its plans to sell the luxury yacht Royal Romance, which belongs to Viktor Medvedchuk, a prominent Ukrainian politician facing allegations of treason. This significant move comes in the wake of sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) against Medvedchuk in 2021, which mandated the freezing of assets and the seizure of property.

The Royal Romance yacht, currently under Croatian jurisdiction, was transferred to ARMA's management based on a ruling from an investigative judge. A crucial milestone in this case was the completion of the pre-trial investigation, after which the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine submitted an indictment to the court, advancing the case to the trial stage.

According to information provided by ARMA, “the relevant materials have been handed over to the Croatian side within the framework of international legal assistance.” Simultaneously, preparations are underway for asset valuation, determining the sales model, and ensuring a transparent sales process through public mechanisms. ARMA emphasized that “the Royal Romance cases are at the practical implementation stage of a clear roadmap—from the recognition of the Ukrainian court's decision to the asset sale and the transfer of funds to state accounts for subsequent distribution among jurisdictions.”

However, it has been revealed that this process is accompanied by significant challenges from parties associated with Viktor Medvedchuk. Specifically, there have been attempts to delay procedures and utilize all possible legal tools to obstruct the progress of the case. ARMA also reported that “simultaneously, work continues on other complex assets,” including the Amore Mio yacht, linked to Medvedchuk's entourage, where a key challenge has been locating the asset.

The Royal Romance yacht is a luxurious five-deck vessel measuring 92.5 meters in length, constructed by the Dutch company Feadship. Onboard amenities include a 4 by 12-meter swimming pool, with accommodations for 14 guests and 22 crew members. The vessel is equipped with an elevator, adding to its opulence.

It is noteworthy that on May 15, 2024, the seized Royal Romance yacht received a Ukrainian flag. ARMA highlighted that this is a historic moment, as it marks the first time an arrested asset located abroad has received state registration in Ukraine. The yacht has been under arrest since the spring of 2023, and on November 14, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine authorized its sale, with an estimated value of $200 million.

On April 23, 2024, the Commission for the Selection of Legal Entities to Implement the Sale of Seized Assets selected Troostwijk Auctions as the seller of the Royal Romance yacht. This decision is part of a broader strategy by ARMA to manage and sell assets linked to individuals subject to sanctions.