U.S. Federal Judge grants Stay on Subpoenas in Alfa Nero Matter

In a significant development regarding the Alfa Nero court case, the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC), along with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and other parties involved, has successfully secured a stay of discovery from a US court.

The court order states, “Because compliance with the subpoenas would moot the motions to quash, the motions to stay are GRANTED unless and until the Court orders otherwise.”

This decision reflects the combined efforts of the WIOC and its allies, who also filed motions to stay the discovery process and to quash the subpoenas issued against them.

According to the order, the opposing party has until April 21 to file an opposition against the stay. However, the strengths of the current order suggest that a successful opposition is unlikely.

The swift issuance of the order, occurring within just 24 hours of the request, underscores the judge’s keen attention to the case and the critical issues at hand.

This development marks a notable victory for WIOC and its partners in navigating the legal complexities of the Alfa Nero matter.

Meanwhile a press statement from the government reads:

A U.S. federal judge has granted a temporary stay on subpoenas served to Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the West Indies Oil Company Ltd. (WIOC), and other individuals connected to an ongoing discovery dispute initiated by Russian national Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov.

In a decision issued Monday, Judge Jesse M. Furman of the Southern District of New York ruled that the subpoenas will be suspended while motions to quash them are under review. The stay covers Prime Minister Browne, the group referred to as the “Antiguan Movants,” and WIOC, which is not a party to the case.

Guryeva-Motlokhov is seeking evidence under 28 U.S.C. § 1782—a statute that permits individuals to obtain documents and testimony in the United States for use in foreign legal proceedings. Both WIOC and Antiguan officials have opposed the subpoenas, prompting legal motions to halt them.

Judge Furman explained that the stay was necessary, as compliance with the subpoenas could interfere with the pending motions to quash. Guryeva-Motlokhov has until April 21 to submit a written response, limited to four pages, if she intends to challenge the stay.

The court also ordered that a single, consolidated legal brief be filed in response to both motions to quash.

Attorneys for Prime Minister Browne and the Antiguan officials view the swift issuance of the Order for Stay of Discovery—granted within 24 hours of their request—as a sign that the judge is closely engaged with the case and understands the significance of the issues at hand.