Sechin, chief executive of energy giant Rosneft, was the first major figure targeted on the Côte d’Azur as his yacht, the Amore Vero, was seized by French customs from the harbour town La Ciotat.
Russians are estimated to own about 10pc of the world’s supply of around 6,000 superyachts, although it is not known how many face sanctions.
A key figure in the Russian administration, Mr Sechin has earned the nickname ‘Darth Vader’ for his close ties to Putin. The EU sanctions notice said: “He is one of Vladimir Putin’s most trusted and closest advisers, as well as his personal friend. He has been in contact with the Russian president on a daily basis.”
It is not the first time French authorities have had run-ins with wealthy Russians on the Riviera. Kerimov, who made his money through investments in mining and property development, was arrested by police at Nice airport in 2017 on suspicion of tax evasion.
The investigation centred on the purchase of villas on the Riviera through shell companies, reported Reuters, but the charges were dismissed in June 2018.
Alisher Usmanv, who was sanctioned in Britain last week, is another familiar face in the South of France.
In 2016 he purchased one of the world’s largest yachts, Dilbar, for around £500m. On March 3, the 156-metre long vessel was seized by the German authorities in Hamburg.
The Chelsea football club owner Mr Abramovich, meanwhile, bought a 18.5 acre, £87m retreat on what has become known as “Billionaire’s Bay” on the Cap d’Antibes, in 2001.
The property was a favourite with some of the most notable Britons in history. King Edward VII leased the property in 1936 after he abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, while Sir Winston Churchill celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife Clementine at the chateau.
Abramovich also has a yacht, the Eclipse, which is regularly seen anchored outside expensive hotels and restaurants on the French coast. Though not yet targeted with an asset freeze in the EU, he was slapped with sanctions in Britain on Thursday.
But as the walls close in around those with close ties to Putin, these villas and yachts risk becoming relics of a luxurious life lived by wealthy Russians in the South of France.
