ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The Alfa Nero ruling by a United States Court of Appeals has delivered a significant legal victory for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, blocking efforts to access his financial records and ordering the destruction of documents obtained through contested subpoenas.
The appellate court upheld an earlier District Court decision, rejecting an application for discovery filed by Russian national Yulia Guryeva Motlokhov, who has claimed ownership of the luxury yacht Alfa Nero and challenged the Antiguan government’s 2024 sale of the vessel. The ruling came through the federal appellate system, which is outlined in the U.S. Court of Appeals process.
Financial disclosure bid fails in Alfa Nero ruling
The court’s decision quashes subpoenas issued to The Clearing House and the Federal Reserve, which had sought detailed financial statements and transaction records linked to Browne dating back to 2019.
Judges ruled that the discovery request was not warranted, effectively ending Motlokhov’s attempt to obtain financial data tied to the prime minister and other Antiguan individuals and entities.
As part of the ruling, all documents already obtained under the subpoenas must now be destroyed. Motlokhov’s legal team is required to provide confirmation that the records have been fully eliminated, closing a key avenue of inquiry in the dispute.
Legal and political fallout for ongoing dispute
The case stems from Motlokhov’s assertion that she is the rightful owner of the Alfa Nero, a high-profile superyacht whose sale by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda drew international attention and fueled a wider Alfa Nero yacht sale scandal.
Officials have consistently maintained that the handling and sale of the vessel were conducted lawfully and with transparency. Attorneys representing Browne described the appellate outcome as a decisive affirmation of that position.
The ruling also strengthens the government’s legal standing as it navigates broader scrutiny surrounding the vessel’s sale and associated financial questions.
Next legal steps remain uncertain
Legal observers say Motlokhov could seek to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court of the United States, but note that such appeals are discretionary and rarely granted, particularly in cases centered on discovery disputes.
Meanwhile, Browne’s legal team is exploring whether to recover a portion of legal costs incurred during the appellate proceedings, signaling a potential financial consequence for the opposing side.
Defamation lawsuit adds new dimension
Separately, Browne has initiated a US$10 million defamation lawsuit against U.S. attorney Martin De Luca and the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, alleging damaging statements made during the disclosure proceedings.
The firm has been served with the claim, while efforts are ongoing to formally serve De Luca.
The appellate court’s ruling marks a turning point in the Alfa Nero dispute, limiting further access to financial records and narrowing the scope of legal challenges tied to the controversial sale, even as related litigation continues to unfold.
