US Court rules in favor of Antigua PM in Alfa Nero legal dispute

The United States Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and other Antiguan and Barbudan individuals and entities in a financial disclosure case brought by Russian citizen Yulia Guryeva Motlokhov.

Motlokhov had claimed ownership of the Alfa Nero and challenged the Antigua and Barbuda Government’s 2024 sale of the vessel. The Appeals Court affirmed the District Court’s order, rejecting her request for discovery and quashing subpoenas served on the Clearing House and US Federal Reserve. All documents obtained under these subpoenas must now be destroyed, with proof submitted to the court.

Attorneys for Prime Minister Browne are exploring recovering some of the legal costs incurred during the appellate process. While Motlokhov could attempt to take the case to the US Supreme Court, legal experts say this is unlikely, as there is no automatic right of appeal.

The ruling is being hailed as another major legal victory for Prime Minister Browne, who has maintained that the government’s sale of the vessel was fully transparent.

In a related legal move, Browne has filed a US$10 million defamation lawsuit against US attorney Martin De Luca and his law firm Boies Schiller over statements made during the disclosure case. While the firm has been served, efforts are ongoing to locate De Luca to serve him with the claim.