PM Writes to US Government following Allegations of Death Threats Against Russian Woman

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced on Saturday that his government has contacted the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the U.S. State Department regarding allegations made in an article published by the Daily Observer and various online publications.

These allegations stem from a legal case involving a Russian woman who has initiated legal action against Browne, his family, and other entities in connection with the sale of the super-yacht Alfa Nero.

The woman’s legal representation claims that she and her team have received death threats and extortion demands, asserting these claims in a letter addressed to a U.S. Federal Judge. The letter, dated May 21, indicates that the woman was purportedly targeted due to her associations.

Browne took to social media to address the issue, calling the allegations a “fabricated claim of harassment, threats, and extortion of U.S. citizens,” which he contends is aimed at tarnishing the solid diplomatic relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States. He criticized the perpetrators, referring to them as “UPP morons and their foreign mercenaries” who are now portraying themselves as victims.

These events follow a recent ruling by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which dismissed all subpoenas previously filed by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, the daughter of a sanctioned Russian national and former owner of the Alfa Nero.

In his statements, Browne expressed frustration over what he termed as orchestrated attacks against his character, insisting that he has faced undue indignities due to these “fabrications.”

Furthermore, Browne shared insights from his legal team’s findings, highlighting the results of recent subpoena responses related to transactions before and after April 8, 2024. The details unveil minimal transactions involving Browne totaling to small amounts from international entities, further emphasizing his position as the targets of fabricated claims.

Browne commented on the situation, declaring that the individuals responsible for these allegations are now embarrassed by the revealed facts and are attempting to conjure yet another narrative to create confusion. He concluded with remarks about the persistence of malice against him, stating, “the harder they come; the harder they fall.”