Paris (CNN Business) – France seizes boat belonging to Selfishness Russia’s Igor Chechnya, the French Ministry of Finance said in a statement on Thursday.
Chechnya is the CEO of Russian oil company Rosneft. The European Union approved Chechnya earlier this week, describing him as “one of the closest and most trusted advisers to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as his personal friend”.
Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin during a meeting with Russian President Putin.
Called the “Amore Vero” – or “True Love” in Italian, this super boat arrived in the French Mediterranean port of La Ciotta in January. It was scheduled to leave the port on April 1st.
“Thanks to the French customs officials for enforcing EU sanctions against those close to the Russian government,” French Finance Minister Bruno Le Myre said in a tweet.
Chechin was Russia’s deputy prime minister from 2008 to 2012. The EU said his relations with Putin were “long and deep” and that the two were in daily contact.
Earlier this week, Le Maire announced that France had set up a task force to complete a survey of financial assets and luxury goods owned by Russian figures targeted by EU sanctions.
BP said on Sunday it would drop its 19.75% stake in Rosneft and give up two seats on the company’s board.
