VLADIMIR PUTIN’S £500 million megayacht was trapped behind gates in a marina this morning as Italian authorities came under intense pressure to seize it.

The Sun revealed the sickening luxury of the 459ft ship today, while “men in dark suits” investigate links to the Kremlin tyrant, with pictures showing the opulent interiors of his floating mansion.

Scheherazade is currently docked in Marina di Carrara, western Italy, with massive metal gates preventing her from leaving. Other moored vessels encircle it on both sides.

While Putin terrorises their innocent civilians, pressure is mounting on Italy to seize and sell it to benefit Ukrainians.

Guy Bennett-Pearce, the ship’s British captain, is thought to be staying onboard.

Last night, the lights on the megayacht’s fifth deck were turned on while a small crew remained hidden from view inside.

Bennett-Pearce is fully cooperating with Italian investigators who are conducting an urgent investigation into the ship’s ownership.

The former merchant seaman, 43, told The Sun: “I can’t say anything because of legal confidentiality.”

Police boarded the ship two weeks ago to examine its certification documents.

Bennett-Pearce previously stated, when asked if the ship was owned by the dictator, “I have never seen him.” I’d never met him.”

“They are looking hard,” the captain said of the Italian investigators. They are scrutinising every detail.

“These aren’t your neighbourhood cops; these are men in dark suits.”

He went on to say that he couldn’t say anything else because of a “watertight nondisclosure agreement.”

Bennett-mother Pearce’s has stated that she would be “pretty furious” if he was working for the Russian dictator.

Debbie, 64, lashed out at Putin, saying the prospect of her son working for him “might make me a little bit furious.”

Imperial Yachts, which manages the construction of many of the world’s megayachts, oversaw the ship’s construction.

It is registered in the Cayman Islands and is legally owned by Bielor Assets Ltd, which is based in the Marshall Islands.

Mad Vlad, whose forces are bombing women and children in Ukraine, didn’t skimp on the six-deck Scheherazade, which includes tasteless gold toilet paper holders.

“Russian people paid for it,” an ex-crew member said. Putin’s head needs to be flushed down that golden throne.”