Yulia Gyryeva-Motlokhov has taken to the courts, appealing a recent decision by a US federal judge that dismissed all subpoenas aimed at Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his family, and government officials.
The conflict centers around the sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht, which Gyryeva-Motlokhov claims is owned by her father, a Russian oligarch who is currently under sanctions.
The appeal comes after Judge Jesse M. Furman of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled in early June that the applicant had “failed to meet the statutory requirements for relief” under federal law.
This ruling effectively concluded what the Antigua and Barbuda government has characterized as a harassment campaign against its leadership.
Lead Counsel for Antigua and Barbuda, Anthony Astaphan, expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating that the ruling to quash the subpoenas was clear.
“This was always a campaign to discredit the government and the prime minister in respect of the Alfa Nero,” Astaphan remarked in an interview.
The case is costing the government a significant amount, and Astaphan mentioned that attorneys will seek advice on possible legal means to recover the costs on an indemnity basis.
“I will follow up with the US lawyers because in these countries, if you come with a frivolous matter, you can be condemned for the cost, so if there is a similar principle in the US, then we intend to follow that up,” he said.
“I have read the investigative report that was put in the US court, and there was so much misinformation there…” he added
Prime Minister Gaston has said that his government continues to be dedicated to transparency, the rule of law, and high standards of public accountability.
According to him, it remains resolute in opposing any efforts, whether domestic or foreign, to damage the reputation of its officials or pressure the nation into abandoning decisions made in the best interest of its citizens.
