The Turkish-flagged USKO MFU, seized for smuggling grain from Crimea, has been sold at auction to Universal LTD for 2.48 million hryvnias.
December 9, 2025 22:53
The Turkish-flagged bulk carrier USKO MFU, seized by Ukraine for allegedly transporting illegal grain from occupied Crimea, has found a buyer in its third auction. The sale was announced by the Ukrainian National Agency for Asset Recovery and Management (ARMA).
In the Dutch-style auction held by ARMA on December 8, the ship was purchased by a company named Universal LTD for a starting price of 2.48 million hryvnias. The new owner will also be responsible for customs duties and additional payments amounting to approximately 4.42 million hryvnias, in addition to the ship's price.
The USKO MFU was seized in 2024 for allegedly entering the port of Sevastopol covertly while the AIS location reporting system was turned off. It was reported to be transporting over 3,000 tons of grain from the occupied region and involved in criminal activities. A Ukrainian court had ruled on the confiscation of the ship following an investigation.
After being held for an extended period at the Port of Reni, the first two auctions conducted by ARMA did not attract interest. However, in the third auction, the ship was successfully transferred to its new owner.
Ukrainian authorities announced that the revenue generated from the sale of the ship will be transferred to the state budget in accordance with legal procedures.