A luxury pad at One57 that escaped the auction block in July is back on the market for $39 million — nearly $13 million less than the owner paid.
Nigerian billionaire Kola Aluko, who is being investigated for money laundering in Nigeria and Europe, defaulted on a $35.3 million mortgage he took on the 79th floor condominium in 2015. His Luxenbourg-based lender moved to foreclose, but a sales auction was put on hold in July after a new creditor surfaced, saying it was owed $83 million for gasoline and jet fuel.
The 6,240-square-foot unit has four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. The new asking price works out to $6,250 per square foot.
Aluko — who allegedly was involved in money-laundering schemes in Nigeria and Europe — shelled out $51.9 million for the apartment in 2014.
“It is now being sold by a third party as an alternative to foreclosure,” a source told the New York Post. Aluko reportedly has “nothing to do” with the sale.
Compass’ Ali Jafri has the listing.
“Motivated seller!” reads the listing description. “A once in a lifetime investment opportunity to purchase the last remaining full floor residence at Manhattan’s New Crown Jewel, One 57 Condominium, for a great value!”
According to the Department of Justice, Aluko laundered money by purchasing $144 million worth of real estate, including the penthouse, as well as an $80 million yacht, the Galactica Star. [NYP] –– E.B. Solomont