Peruse the super yachts of global criminal and Thaksin fixer, Benjamin Mauerberger.
South African criminal Benjamin Mauerberger is on the radar of global investigators after we reported he's running a $1.5 billion dirty Cambodian money network protected by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The scale of this money-laundering operation is hard to believe, and investigators in the U.S., Thailand and Singapore are poring through documents, as they look for assets to seize. On the radar is this collection of luxury yachts bought with the proceeds of money connected to Cambodia (a haven for money launderers, drug barons, scam center operators, and human traffickers).
The first three super yachts Mauerberger controls for the enjoyment of himself, Thaksin, secret Cambodian partner Yim Leak, and the many Chinese VIPs whose money they wash. The final yacht, Red Sapphire, was recently sold and rebranded (so won't be seized).
Watch this space as Whale Hunting tracks the assets of this audacious crime.
Built in: Henderson, Western Australia by Silver Yachts.
Wanderlust is a sports activity vessel designed for adventure with a focus on luxury. Its notable features include a massive 400-square-meter aft deck that serves as a multi-purpose area for tenders, water toys, and entertainment. This area can even be converted into a sports court or a helicopter hangar. The yacht also has a unique "winter garden" loft space with floor-to-ceiling glass that can be opened up to create an open-air terrace. For entertainment, there's an outdoor cinema, and the yacht has an extensive collection of water toys, including multiple jet skis, Seabobs, eFoils, and diving gear.
Current location: Vicinity of French Riviera
Built in: Viareggio, Italy by Codecasa.
Atlas is a classic and refined yacht built for transatlantic travel. It focuses on comfort and timeless style. The main special feature is the full-beam owner's suite on the main deck, which has its own private lounge, office, and fold-down balcony. This provides a secluded and luxurious retreat for the owner. The yacht is also equipped with an elevator that serves all decks, a gym, and a deck jacuzzi. It has a dive center with a Nitrox compressor and a range of water toys.
Current location: En route to Phuket.
Built in: Lemwerder, Germany by Abeking & Rasmussen.
Bought in 2023, Starlust is a modern, light-filled yacht designed for entertainment. Its standout features include a private owner's deck with a dedicated office, library, and a private terrace. On the lower deck, there's a lavish spa area with a massage room and steam room. The beach club at the stern has a gym with water-level views, allowing guests to work out before jumping into the ocean. The yacht also has a golf driving facility with biodegradable golf balls and an extensive collection of water toys.
Current location: Sorong, Indonesia
Built in: New Orleans, Louisiana by Trinity Yachts.
Now named Sapphire, and recently sold by Mauerberger and his partners, this yacht is a proven world traveler known for its extensive refits that ensure it remains a high-end vessel. It offers a huge amount of flexible living space, with a main deck that includes a large salon, a formal dining area, and an entertainment room that can convert into a cabin. The sundeck is a primary social hub with a large jacuzzi, bar, and multiple sunbathing areas. It has a wide range of water toys, including an inflatable waterslide from the top deck, a rarity on yachts of this size. The owner's suite is on the bridge deck, with direct access to a private aft deck area.
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