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Sechin is the CEO of Russian oil giant Rosneft. The European Union sanctioned Sechin earlier this week, describing him as one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "most trusted and closest advisors, as well as his personal friend."
The yacht, named "Amore Vero" ? or "True Love" in Italian ? arrived at the French Mediterranean port of La Ciotat in January. It was scheduled to leave the port on April 1.
"Thank you to the French customs officers who are enforcing the European Union's sanctions against those close to the Russian government," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said in a tweet.
Authorities have seized super yachts owned by oligarchs as part of the sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
A yacht owned by Igor Sechin, boss of Russian state energy company Rosneft, was grabbed by French customs officers near Marseille.
German authorities seized a $600m vessel owned by Russian metal tycoon Alisher Usmanov according to reports.
They are the latest moves against Russia as sanctions are ramped up.
The BBC understands that some oligarchs sanctioned by the European Union are "shocked" to find their debit cards no longer function, and they are now relying on using cash from safes.
The French acted quickly on Wednesday when customs officers noticed that Mr Sechin's 88-metre "Amore Vero" - which translates as "true love" - was "taking steps to sail off urgently".
BBC Article
Sechin was deputy prime minister of Russia from 2008 until 2012. The European Union said his connections to Putin are "long and deep," with the two men maintaining daily contact.
Earlier this week, Le Maire announced that France has set up a task force to complete a census of financial assets and luxury goods owned by Russian personalities targeted by EU sanctions.
BP (BP) said on Sunday that it would exit its 19.75% stake in Rosneft and give up two seats on the company's board.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/03/busin...zed/index.html