Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan has confirmed that the Government is actively considering requesting that a court in the United States impose a cost order against Russian citizen Yulia Guryeva Motlokhov.
This consideration comes in the wake of a recent disclosure case, during which all subpoenas were quashed.
Astaphan announced this potential course of action on Saturday afternoon during an episode of the Browne and Browne Show airing on Pointe FM.
He indicated that he has been engaged in discussions with the U.S. legal representatives who were involved on behalf of the Government in this particular case, in order to determine the most appropriate steps to take moving forward.
So far, the Government has incurred expenses totaling at least US$136,000 throughout the proceedings.
Additionally, the West Indies Oil Company has received a substantial legal bill amounting to approximately US$200,000.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Jesse M. Furman on the preceding Wednesday, brought significant developments to light. It was determined that Guryeva Motlokhov attempted to probe into the private banking details of several officials and entities based in Antigua, including the Prime Minister, the Honorable Gaston Browne.
However, Judge Furman intervened, emphasizing that the applicant “failed to meet the statutory requirements for relief,” thereby thwarting her efforts.
The Government approved the ruling, with Prime Minister Browne referring to it as a “complete vindication” for himself and his administration.
This decision comes in the context of a barrage of unsubstantiated allegations leveled against the Prime Minister as a result of the case.
Guryeva Motlokhov claims that her family owns the Alfa Nero superyacht, a luxurious vessel that was sold by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for US$40 million in the previous year.
some people just won’t leave well alone
Sometimes we believe something is over and its not. I dont trust these Russians, They will come with something else. Let us wait
As they rightfully should. Who the hell supposed to foot that bill
The government already paid the bill. They picked up 40m from selling the people’s bill. They might aswell leave this matter alone and move on
I plead with the government to leave the people and their matter alone.
This is justice in motion. After months of wild accusations and attempts to smear our leaders, the U.S. court made it clear, no case, no evidence, no basis. Now that the Government is considering recovering legal costs, it’s only fair. Taxpayers shouldn’t foot the bill for what was essentially a politically motivated fishing expedition. Claps to Senoir Council Astaphan and the legal team for standing strong. Antigua and Barbuda must defend its sovereignty and its integrity.
It’s frustrating that so much public money is spent on legal battles instead of social programs. Politicians need to stop wasting resources on lawsuits and start working together to improve our country.