VIDEO STORY: Russian Woman Appeals Ruling That Quashed Subpoenas Against PM Browne and Others in Superyacht Case

Published
Appeal of ruling filed in court case involving government officials

Yulia Gyryeva-Motlokhov has appealed a recent decision by a US federal judge, which quashed all subpoenas directed at Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his family, and government officials.

Our Managing Director, Shermain Bique-Charles spoke to lead attorney Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan, who says that there is no chance of success for the Russians.

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This legal dispute revolves around the sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht which the Russian woman says is owned by her father; a sanctioned Russian oligarch.

Early in June, Judge Jesse M. Furman of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that the applicant “failed to meet the statutory requirements for relief” under federal law, effectively concluding what the government of Antigua and Barbuda has described as a harassment campaign.

Shermain Bique-Charles

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Comments (22)

  • Yardie July 3, 2025, 3:52 AM

    Shermaine u got to be realistic….why didn’t u ask Tony ” why did the government took the lady boat in the first place? What’s the real reason behind this?Tony needs to be straight up…..Shermaine please find answer, job incomplete
  • Apex Jones July 2, 2025, 9:56 PM

    Oh Lord. Woman get a damn life. You disgusting right now
  • Yei July 2, 2025, 9:42 PM

    That Alfa Nero saga wont go away until the scale is balanced. I dont wrong the govenrment for selling. But once they know the boat has owners and the owners wants it back……..then give back and recover the cost. THat boat will SINK us in more trouble than we need
  • Anonymous July 2, 2025, 9:32 PM

    Taxpayers are being harassed. Not the PM and the government. PM not paying for this case
  • Wake up. July 2, 2025, 9:29 PM

    By the book? They took advantage of US sanctions and took someone else’s private property – property that was only available for the taking because of sanctions. Astaphan said it in this same video: they basically sought and got permission from the US to sell the boat, because the US created the political atmosphere through which the boat COULD be taken in the first place. The previous US administration I might add, not the current one…which is completely politically opposed to the last one. It gets dumber and dumber as you repeat it. We are “friends of all and enemies of none”…except Russian oligarchs it would seem.
  • Bernard July 2, 2025, 9:07 PM

    PM Browne and the government have been harassed long enough. Let the court’s decision stand and move on!
  • Leyann July 2, 2025, 9:06 PM

    The U.S. judge already ruled clearly—this appeal feels like grasping at straws. Antigua handled the Alfa Nero situation by the book.
  • informed Citizen July 2, 2025, 8:26 PM

    Whatever one’s view of the case, Antigua and Barbuda must uphold the rule of law. If the appeal lacks merit, the courts will say so. But dismissing concerns outright doesn’t build trust.
  • Anonymous July 2, 2025, 8:22 PM

    Sybau as you to defend Gaston the pedophile but no matter what u say here I am the nigga who has the bribes paid to him and Parliament by Roger Rosenfeld using sweep accounts so shut ur damn mouth if you do not know the truth Thant that Gas Dawg is allowing pedophiles in the country in exchange for money the CIP program u dumb ass person
  • The Right Thing July 2, 2025, 7:54 PM

    Give her the money for her boat and admit that you were wrong. That’s what is impossible for these stiff-neck politicians – they can’t humble themselves. It’s not in them.
  • CKH July 2, 2025, 7:51 PM

    Comment * I am reading all those comments and honestly, let’s be fair. It’s important to recognize that everyone deserves a fair chance to present their case and seek justice, regardless of the circumstances. And that Russian lady, whoever she is, deserves that right too. Even if the initial decision seemed unfavorable, the quest for accountability and transparency should be supported. It’s crucial to ensure that all voices, including those of the Russians in this situation, are heard and considered in the pursuit of a fair resolution.
  • Blank Blank July 2, 2025, 7:49 PM

    And the right thing is what exactly? Because that boat sailed a long time ago.
  • It’s a Money Game July 2, 2025, 7:39 PM

    It’s pretty obvious what is going on here to anyone who isn’t politically blind. This lady has a lot of money, and she knows that forcing the government of Antigua to bankroll this case, as frivolous as it is, is her best shot at creating shaky ground for the PM. Notice his only defense when questioned about the cost of this case to the taxpayers? “UPP did it”. Such a thin defense, and getting thinner everyday. If the PM is on shaky ground, no matter what this Russian lady’s endgame is – whether out of pure vindictiveness or some elaborate long-play to get her boat back – this Russian lady wins. Simply put, she got money to waste; the taxpayers of Antigua and Barbuda don’t. At this point, who CARES about “politics”? It’s just time to do the right thing.
  • Scarlett July 2, 2025, 7:39 PM

    The first mistake was to touch the peoples vessle. The second was to sell it even after they said it was theres. The third is to play wrong and strong. The forth and the fifth and the 6th is not to have any thought of giving back the boat. Lets face it. This boat has blighted us. Now repent and move TF on
  • Anonymous July 2, 2025, 7:15 PM

    Classic lawyering: all the lawyers win while the common man goes broke.
  • Ben Simmons July 2, 2025, 7:04 PM

    WOW. You mean she really did that? Shameful. Is there a way to recover from this situation that the country has found itself in? I wonder. This matter will drag on until we can’t afford to buy bread. I am worried.
  • Miranda July 2, 2025, 7:02 PM

    It is clear that Yulia Gyryeva-Motlokhov’s appeal against the recent ruling lacks substantial merit. I am an attorney by the way. The federal judge’s decision to quash the subpoenas directed at Prime Minister Gaston Browne was a move that many of us were in agreement of. For many reasons. The case is a waste of time and a waste of money. The assertion that there is a viable path for success in this appeal seems unfounded. Let me tell you why. It is because of the absence of compelling evidence or legal precedent supporting interference with the affairs of a foreign government. This legal maneuver appears more like an attempt to exert pressure rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice. And that is a fact. Look at the documents. We have all gone through it. So now I will conclude by saying that when countries find themselves in such matters, it is crucial that frivolous claims do not undermine the rule of law or disrupt diplomatic relations. The legal stance taken by the court should be upheld, ensuring that such appeals do not carry forward.
  • Sheesh July 2, 2025, 6:56 PM

    I find that this woman took a long time to appeal the matter. She has malicious intentions and will do anything to make sure the government suffers. Hold on Gaston. Hold on Antigua. This is the land of my birth. I will continue to wish it well
  • Simplicity July 2, 2025, 6:45 PM

    Well the way I see it is that the government is just using the money they recieved from the sale of the Alfa Nero to defend itself. Simple at that
  • CostingUs July 2, 2025, 6:41 PM

    What you expected. You expected anything else? This woman will ensure she suck everything out of you. The same money that you receive for the Alfa Nero, you will pay back to lawyers. This lady is playing all her cards right. She dont mind spending her billions. We mind. So give them people back their boat please
  • Gaston Going to Prison July 2, 2025, 6:26 PM

    You damn right bc I am the one who has the information and am selectively releasing it as is necessary. The Top Dawg knows my name yet he surely will not call it…..an offer has been made to get Antigua out of debt and double the social security fund……if it is rejected then locking up everyone and trying with a new regime is how this gets handled……and screw any Gaston and ABLP or even the UPP fags I am coming for them all
  • The Truth will come out, standby July 2, 2025, 6:11 PM

    You poor misguided country. The rest of the financials will be revealed even though Gassy has tried everything to keep them hidden and/or destroyed. What is hidden in the dark will be revealed in the light.

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