Democratic Asset Recuperation via UN Sanctions in the Port of Nice, France

How the so-called civilized world "recuperates" the bribes they once paid to former dictators and despots is not without comedian joy. Officially it is being described as "freezing assets". Here is one example: the "Ocean Breeze", the yacht that once belonged to Saddam Hussein is now seeking a buyer for 23 million Euro. The yacht is mooring  in the port of Nice. Built in the early '80s, it measures over 80 meters long and can accommodate several dozen passengers. It has gold fittings in the cabins and an airstrip for helicopter. Having very little used, the ship is apparently in excellent condition. "Ocean Breeze", which belongs today to King Abdullah II of Jordan, remained anchored for ten years in the Saudi port of Jeddah where the Saudi royal family gave receptions on board. Saddam Hussein's assets had been frozen by the UN, also his two properties on the Cote d'Azur,  villa in the hills above Cannes, bought for ten million Euro in 1982 and another residence in Grasse.

(40 photos of the yacht, story available in English & German)

---