Bidding opened Monday for Equanimity, the $250 million superyacht at the center of Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal.
The yacht was among assets linked to funds allegedly stolen from 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a state-run investment fund set up by former Prime Minister Najib Razak.
The auction for Equanimity, set to run until November 28, is being brokered by London-based Burgess Yachts. Burgess was appointed to handle the transaction by the High Court of Malaya.
“The judicial sales process will follow strict guidelines, but essentially shall be by the submission of sealed bids by qualified potential buyers, to be opened by the Sheriff of the High Court of Malaya in November/December 2018,” Burgess said in its online listing for the vessel.
“We are advised that in accordance with Admiralty law, the judicial sale will provide the buyer with an internationally recognized ownership title free of mortgage, attachment and all encumbrances.”
Equanimity is described by the company as a 300-foot yacht with the capacity to accommodate up to 22 guests and a crew of 31. Its amenities include an “impressive beach club” as well as a health center, swimming pool and helipad.
On Friday, 1MDB’s lawyer Ong Chee Kwan confirmed that the yacht would be put up for sale, The Straits Times reported.
“Those who qualify have to put up a deposit of $1 million before they are eligible to bid as we want to ensure only serious buyers come forward,” he said.
Be the first to comment