US seeks broader powers to seize Russian oligarchs' assets

Justice Department lawyer says Congress should let prosecutors seek seizure of assets used to evade US sanctions

The superyacht 'Amadea' sails into San Diego Bay after it was seized by the US from a Russian oligarch. AP

The US Department of Justice is seeking broader authority from Congress to seize Russian oligarchs' assets to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, a top prosecutor said on Tuesday.

In testimony to the US Senate judiciary committee, Andrew Adams, who leads the department's KleptoCapture task force, said Congress should let prosecutors seek forfeiture of assets used to evade US sanctions, not just the proceeds of sanctions evasions.

The task force was launched in March to enhance the US's ability to punish wealthy Russians who Washington accuses of enabling Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine.

Prosecutors have since won warrants to seize two luxury yachts belonging to sanctioned Russians and planes owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich, among other assets.

Mr Adams said the task force could have done more with enhanced powers.

People look from the superyacht 'Amadea' as it arrives at San Diego Bay in California on Monday. AP

The $325 million superyacht was seized by the US from a Russian oligarch on whom sanctions were imposed. AP

The superyacht 'Amadea' seen from Coronado, California. AP

The superyacht 'Amadea' passes San Diego, California. AP

Drone video footage shows the Russian-owned superyacht 'Amadea' docked at Queen's Wharf in Lautoka, Fiji, in May. Reuters

The superyacht 'Amadea' was moored in Honolulu on June 16. AP

The Russian-owned superyacht seized by the US arrived in Honolulu Harbour flying an American flag after the US won a legal battle in Fiji to take the $325 million craft. AP

The superyacht 'Amadea' moored in Honolulu. AP

The seized superyacht 'Amadea' is now in American waters. AP

Crew members look on as the yacht 'Amadea', belonging to Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov and seized by the Fiji government at the request of the US, arrives at Honolulu Harbour, Hawaii. AFP

The superyacht 'Amadea'. AFP

Capt Emosi Dawai looks at the superyacht 'Amadea' when it was docked at Queen's Wharf in Lautoka, Fiji, in April. Fiji Sun / AP

The US won a legal battle to seize Russian-owned superyacht in Fiji and wasted no time in taking command of the $325 million vessel. Fiji Sun / AP

“I am aware of instances in the past where, had these provisions been in place, there would have been opportunities to take even more aggressive action,” he said.

Mr Adams urged Congress to let prosecutors charge people accused of breaching sanctions or export controls with racketeering.

The racketeering law, enacted in 1970 in the fight against the Mafia, allows prosecutors to charge a group of people, even those indirectly involved in alleged wrongdoing, for taking part in a “criminal enterprise”.

Mr Adams also said statutes of limitations for some financial crimes, such as money laundering, should be doubled to 10 years to give prosecutors “time to follow the money”.

Congress is considering legislation to allow proceeds from seized assets to help the people of Ukraine.

The Kremlin calls its actions in the country a “special military operation”.

Before seized assets can be liquidated, prosecutors must win permanent forfeiture orders, through often-lengthy court proceedings.