Russian-flagged Nord, believed to be owned by steel tycoon Alexei Mordashov, arrived in Hong Kong waters on Wednesday
Mordashov is among Russian oligarchs facing penalties imposed by the United States, European Union and Britain over Moscow’s war with Ukraine
Beijing and Washington have crossed swords over the docking of a superyacht linked to a Russian billionaire in Hong Kong, with the Chinese government accusing the US of trying to “smear” the city’s business environment.
The HK$3.9 billion (US$497 million) Russian-flagged Nord, believed to be owned by Alexei Mordashov, a steel and mining tycoon thought to be an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, arrived in Hong Kong waters on Wednesday, sparking warnings from lawyers about possible punitive action against city entities that did business with the vessel.
Mordashov is among Russian oligarchs facing penalties imposed by the United States, European Union and Britain over Moscow’s war with Ukraine.
Hong Kong’s Marine Department did not comment but said the city did not implement unilateral sanctions imposed by other jurisdictions.
