St. John's 28°C Partly cloudy

Antigua News
Live
Top News Antigua and Barbuda

Major Legal Ruling Expected on Government’s Seizure and Sale of Alfa Nero Superyacht in February 2025

By

Published
UPP Says Cabinet Should Clarify Statement on Alfa Nero Commission Paid to Diplomat
Major Legal Ruling Expected on Government’s Seizure and Sale of Alfa Nero Superyacht in February 2025

In February 2025, a significant legal decision is anticipated concerning the constitutionality of the government’s actions surrounding the controversial seizing and subsequent sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht.

The High Court has been the battleground for vigorous arguments presented by two opposing parties contesting this sale: Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, the daughter of the sanctioned Russian oligarch Andrey Guryev, and the entity known as Flying Dutchman Overseas Limited.

Representing Guryeva-Motlokhov, attorney Dr. David Dorsett has mounted a specific challenge against the validity of the Port Authority Amendment Act 2023, the legislation underpinning the government’s actions.

The courtroom buzzed with the legal prowess of eleven lawyers, six of whom were advocating on behalf of the government, each articulating complex legal arguments throughout the hearing.

The government, in its defense, asserted that the Alfa Nero was classified as abandoned, as the owner neglected to claim the vessel within the designated timeframe established by law.
The controversial yacht was ultimately sold for a staggering $40 million to a still-unidentified “Turkish billionaire.”

The proceeds from this sale were reportedly utilized immediately to alleviate state debts, highlighting the financial urgency underlying the government’s actions.

The Alfa Nero, which was initially seized in April 2023, has been ensnared in a web of legal and financial complexities. It is a vessel steeped in intrigue.

During its time docked in Falmouth Harbour, maintenance costs ballooned to an estimated $1.7 million.

The superyacht has made several returns to the beautiful waters of Antigua, and it is anticipated to re-enter the competitive charter market during the prestigious Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December 2024, as confirmed by its central broker at Northrop and Johnson.

whatsapp-group-names-for-family-friends (1)

This story was first published by Antigua News on November 29, 2024: antigua.news/2024/11/29/major-legal-ruling-expected-on-governments-seizure-and-sale-of-alfa-nero-superyacht-in-february-2025. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Editorial Staff

About the author

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (6)

  • Trevor November 29, 2024, 7:15 PM

    I feel as though this alfa nero matter will not go away and antiigua and barbuda will lose out. We took the peoples boat. We need to return it.
    Reply

  • Nyahrie November 29, 2024, 7:19 PM

    The real story is how a greedy government decides to take what isn’t theirs. The boat was abandoned with reason. The US sanctioned Russia during the war. Come on Gaston. Everything people has you want? You and the port manager. Greedy people.
    Reply

    • AAB November 29, 2024, 10:01 PM

      Dear Mr. Editor, Permit me to REMIND Us All of The Haste with which This New Law was passed in a Sitting in Which the Opposition Members PLEADED for MORE Time to Truly Understand what EXACTLY were the Parameters of This Law which entailed aspects that required Further Research in the Opposition Members estimation ….
      ……. This time was Not Granted by the Speaker of the House ….. The Opposition, realizing that Its Members could Not Adequately DEBATE This New Law, walked out of the Parliamentary Sitting, accompanied by Boos and Put Downs by the M Ps on the Government Side of the House.
      Didn’t These Government M Ps proceed to Pass THIS NEW LAW (using the EMERGENCY Tactic of Hurricane Danger) with All 3 Readings in A Sngle Sitting of Parliament……. VERY VERY SAD ….. We name such Actions in ANU/BAR — “Grabadoosha”!!!! This Action taken by The Leaders of Government Administration —. The Cabinet — has turned around to BITE ALL OF US — The Taxpayers of This Nation…… ……. Check How Much of OUR TAX DOLLARS have been used for the Upkeep of This SUPER Yatch and Much More will be Required of US as it is reputedly sold by Our Government for a Price BELOW Its Worth!!! …… Can This be seen as A case of “Haste Results in Waste”? Not Enough Thought and Discussion was held on THIS Very Important Action due to the Apparent HASTE to Do Something that has NEVER been done Before; and The Opposition Members of Parliament were Denied Any INPUT in the Discussions that Resulted In the Seizure of THIS Mega Super Yatch……. Let us Look Very Closely at the DETAILS that has Landed THIS Very Poor Country in the MESS which now Is Placed On the backs of The Taxpaying Citizens. Such A Great SHAME on Our Government Leaders …….😢😢😢😢😢😢
      Reply

  • Roxanne November 30, 2024, 6:18 AM

    I always has and will always have an issue with how this matter was handled..yje government saw an opportunity to make a windfall and they grabbed it, without examining the implications of their actions. Or perhaps they just didn’t care. From the moment that someone came to claim the boat and the government realize it was legit, they should have left it go. It is not yours in the first place. The woman said she was willing to pay all the debt that the vessel accumulated. Antigua and Barbuda had nothing to lose. Now the government is entangled in a legal battle with a family who can afford it. This woman is wealthy. At the end of the matter she will be wealthy and this little island will be poorer for it. Shameful.
    Reply

  • Robert November 30, 2024, 1:28 PM

    Another episode of Antigua is not a real place. Where will this case lead our beautiful little island? Is the government decision considered acceptable in court? Why did the government decided to sell this yacht instead of charging the owners for it being in Antigua waters? Though the proceedings is said to have been used in financial debt and what not, how will this be taken by the court? And lastly isn’t this a form of theft?
    Reply

  • Anonymous December 1, 2024, 12:12 AM

    The government will pay dearly because of greedy failed experiment by Gaston Brown. He is nothing but a bully and dishonest piece of sh**. He can only buy people’s support. Nobody genuinely like him for him, it’s the handouts. His days will be concluding soon. Look at all the upp supporters he buy, including Donna Shia shit
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section

By clicking "Accept", you consent to our website's use of cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Cookie Settings

Privacy Summary

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our site or helping our team understand which parts of the site you find most interesting and useful.

More information in Privacy Policy