A Russian billionaire has sued the French government after they boarded his two luxury yachts as part of the EU sanctions against him.
French authorities seized two superyachts owned by the co-owner of Russia's largest private bank as the West cracked down on Russian assets. His assets were frozen after the EU placed him on its sanctions list.
The two vessels docked in the French Riviera were not allowed to be entered by the French customs authorities.
A government source told Agence France-Presse that "Little Bear I" and "Little Bear II" were seized in Antibes.
The lawyer for Kuzmichev told the Paris court of appeals on Wednesday that authorities investigated both of the boats but failed to find anything wrong.
According to Blanchetier, the inspection reports did not hint at the possibility of an illegal act. Being Russian and rich doesn't mean you are a criminal.
The captains of both boats weren't aware of their rights.
It was more like a seizure than an asset freeze and went beyond EU sanctions, according to Blanchetier.
Insider didn't get a response from Blanchetier. The Paris court of appeals didn't want Insider to know about the case.
Customs have to ensure compliance and freezing measures are immediately applicable, according to Marie-Anne.
She told the publication that authorities were allowed to board the boats to investigate if they had evaded EU sanctions.
In March, Kuzmichev stepped down from Letter One. The EU said that Kuzmichev was one of the most influential people in Russia.
The location of his house in Paris and a villa on the Riviera was revealed by the French government.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine resulted in the seizure of dozens of yachts. French authorities seized a $120 million yacht belonging to the CEO of Russian state-controlled oil giant, while Italy seized a $578 million yacht.
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