One of Russia’s richest men, Alexei Mordashov, who comes second probably to Putin himself, is paying for his closeness to the Russian ruler. March is certainly not a good month for Mordashov as Italy has seized another property, roughly worth $116 million in the second seizure for this month. Reuters reported that Mordashov’s building complex was located in Portisco, on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, and is the second asset to be seized after the $71 million, 215-foot yacht, ‘Lady M,’ in early March. The move is part of the European Union’s decision to use these luxurious seized assets to help fund Ukraine’s recovery efforts, as obstinate Vladimir Putin continues to lay siege to several of the country’s major cities.
Alexei Mordashov is the main shareholder and chairman of Severstal, a Russian conglomerate with interests in metal, energy, and mining. According to Forbes, he enjoys a net worth of $14.3 billion. The man is an excellent example of the rags-to-riches story. From being the son of mill workers, Mordashov rose to become the finance director of a steel mill. He also owns about 34% of TUI Group, one of the world’s biggest travel and tourism companies, as per Forbes.
Business Insider reported, Mordashov told TASS, the Russian news agency, that he didn’t understand how sanctions imposed on him would help promote settlement of Russia’s unprovoked attack in Ukraine. He said: “I have absolutely nothing to do with the emergence of the current geopolitical tension, and I do not understand why the EU has imposed sanctions on me.”
While the president of Severgroup takes his time to understand what is going on, Italian officials have done what was necessary and seized the second asset. The Russian steel billionaire’s collection also includes the 464 feet long Nord megayacht. It costs an estimated $500 million and flaunts two helipads, a retractable hangar, a cinema, a spa, and even barbecue areas. Will this tuxedo-donning warship catch the eye of officials next?
