British Man’s €1.5 Million Yacht Seized in Sardinia for Customs Fraud

Olbia, May 31, 2025 – A British national is facing legal trouble in Italy after authorities seized his €1.5 million luxury yacht for allegedly evading customs duties. The operation was carried out by Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (Finance Police) in Sassari, in collaboration with the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), at a shipyard in the industrial zone of Olbia, Sardinia.
Investigators found that the yacht, which sails under the Marshall Islands flag had remained in European Union waters for more than 18 months, violating EU rules that allow vessels registered outside the EU to stay temporarily without paying import duties or VAT for a maximum of 18 months.
By exceeding this period without properly declaring the vessel to customs authorities, the owner allegedly attempted to avoid paying duties and tax amounting to € 300,000
As a result, the yacht has been placed under seal, and the owner has been reported to the public Prosecutor's office at the Court of Tempio Pausania. He is under investigation for aggravated smuggling a serious offense under Italian and EU customs law.