Thailand auctions luxury yacht linked to alleged fraudster Benjamin Mauerberger

Thailand is set to auction a luxury yacht, the Atlas, seized from a foreign national accused of fraud and money laundering. The businessman, identified as Ben Smith and also known as Benjamin Mauerberger, is allegedly involved in a cross-border investment fraud scheme dating back to 2016. Media reports have previously connected Smith, a South African national, to large-scale scam operations in Cambodia. Authorities announced on June 18 that the yacht would go under the hammer next week with a starting price of $18.3 million. A Strider speedboat, also seized from Smith, will be auctioned with a starting bid of $247,000. The auction is scheduled for June 23 on the resort island of Phuket. Thai police issued arrest warrants for Smith and his wife, Cattaliya Beevor, in March on fraud and money-laundering charges, seeking assets worth over $410 million. They are currently on the run, with Smith last recorded entering Thailand in 2025. Thai police are collaborating with Interpol to issue a Red Notice to help locate him. Thailand frequently auctions seized assets, with proceeds going to the state.

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Interested parties are welcome to participate in the auction.