Gov’t Considers Cost Order Against Russian Citizen Following Quashed Subpoenas in Disclosure Case

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.