A U.S. federal court recently made a significant ruling that may profoundly affect the political landscape of Antigua and Barbuda.
On April 22, 2025, Judge Jesse M. Furman of the Southern District of New York lifted a temporary ban on subpoenas related to allegations of financial misconduct involving Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his family, and close associates.
This decision allows for further investigation in a case initiated by businesswoman Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, who is gathering evidence for an international legal situation concerning the seizure and subsequent sale of the luxury yacht Alfa Nero.
The subpoenas specifically seek international wire transfer records associated with 19 individuals and entities, including Prime Minister Browne and his wife, Minister Maria Browne, as well as others linked to potentially dubious financial dealings.
The court dismissed attempts to delay or dismiss the subpoenas, asserting that the privacy concerns raised by Browne’s legal team were minor in relation to the documented information being pursued.
To ensure confidential handling, the court mandated that any financial documents obtained must only be viewed by legal representatives, unless ordered otherwise.
In their legal filings, the Applicant’s team accused Browne of attempting to obstruct the process through intimidation and threats of defamation, including aggressive online attacks against opposing legal counsel.
