Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon, and his luxurious $500 million yacht, Koru, became the focal point of a dramatic episode on New Year’s Eve near St. Barts. As per reports, customs officials conducted a surprise inspection of the massive vessel while Bezos himself was absent. Instead, his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, took center stage, drawing attention as she lounged on deck in a Versace bikini and a wide-brimmed hat. Despite the unexpected intrusion, the inspection was characterized as routine, lasting approximately three hours. This incident comes amidst a whirlwind of high-profile appearances and speculations surrounding the couple’s lavish lifestyle.
Jeff Bezos’ $500 million yacht raided as fiancée Sánchez relaxes
The customs inspection began unexpectedly as Koru cruised the waters near St. Barts. Uniformed officers boarded the 417-foot yacht and meticulously searched the vessel under the guidance of a stewardess. Reports indicate that the search lasted approximately three hours, during which time officials methodically combed through the opulent yacht.
Despite the disruption, the atmosphere aboard the yacht remained relatively calm. Sánchez appeared composed throughout the process, engaging with friends on deck. Among the notable individuals present was her ex-boyfriend, former NFL star Tony Gonzalez, who shares a son with Sánchez. Gonzalez even took a swim in the ocean while officers conducted their search.
Lauren Sánchez stays composed during routine customs check on Bezos’ yacht
While an event of this nature might typically create tension, Sánchez’s demeanor suggested little cause for concern. Photos captured by Page Six showed her smiling for the cameras, a stewardess briefing her on the situation in a composed manner. The inspection, according to sources, was a standard procedure and posed no significant threat or issue for the vessel or its occupants.
The disruption was brief, and the yacht’s opulent ambiance quickly returned as the officers wrapped up their work.
Yacht drama follows festive holiday celebrations
The surprise inspection came on the heels of a festive holiday season for Bezos and Sánchez. The couple had recently celebrated in Aspen, Colorado, where their extravagant gatherings fueled rumors of a $600 million New Year’s Eve wedding. These speculations were promptly dismissed by Bezos himself, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to refute the claims.
“This whole thing is completely false—none of this is happening,” Bezos posted. “The old adage ‘don’t believe everything you read’ is even more true today than ever. Lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on.”
Despite Bezos’ firm denial, their time in Aspen was far from low-profile. High-profile guests, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, were seen leaving Matsuhisa, a well-known sushi hotspot tied to the wedding rumors. Additionally, actor Kevin Costner and singer Jennifer Lopez were spotted mingling with attendees during the celebrations.
Koru: A floating symbol of luxury
Koru, named after a Māori word symbolising new beginnings, is one of the most expensive and luxurious yachts in the world. The 417-foot vessel boasts state-of-the-art features, including a swimming pool, a helicopter landing pad, and lavish accommodations for its passengers. The yacht’s size and splendor make it a regular feature in discussions about billionaire indulgences.
The customs inspection near St. Barts highlighted not just the vessel’s prominence but also the scrutiny that often accompanies the lives of the ultra-wealthy.
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