PM Browne Proceeds with Lawsuit Against US Attorney in Alfa Nero Allegations Dispute

One of the government’s senior legal advisers, Anthony Astaphan SC, has confirmed that legal proceedings connected to allegations surrounding the sale of the superyacht Alfa Nero are expected to be filed before the end of January.

Speaking over the weekend, Astaphan said a pre-action letter has already been issued to attorney Martin DeLuca of the United States-based law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, citing vicarious liability.

“We have sent out the pre-action letter as required to Martin DeLuca of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP and the firm on the basis of vicarious liability,” Astaphan stated.

He explained that meetings with the legal team were held as recently as last week, during which a draft application was reviewed. According to Astaphan, the legal strategy is now clearly defined.

“We now have a clear path on how we intend to draft this application for the purposes of vindicating the Prime Minister’s reputation,” he said.

Astaphan disclosed that the legal team intends to pursue both exemplary and aggravated damages, which he said are tied to allegations of improper financial motivation and malicious or irresponsible conduct.

“I think the Prime Minister has done the right thing because politicians should not roll over and play dead when persons take reckless and dishonest shots at their reputations, both private and political,” Astaphan added.

Astaphan also referenced related proceedings in New York concerning document requests linked to the matter. He said subpoenas issued in that jurisdiction were quashed, and that any documents obtained were ordered destroyed, although he noted that the ruling is currently under appeal. He maintained that the allegations at the centre of the controversy are “absolutely false.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that he has instructed attorneys to pursue legal action against former United Progressive Party leader Harold Lovell, accusing him of repeating the allegations publicly.

Last week, Lovell said the prime minister was bluffing and could not take legal action against him.

However, Browne said he meant what he said, but he suggested that the immediate focus remains on DeLuca and related claims. “We have a bigger fish to deal with, but we’re coming to him.”

Prime Minister Browne has denied receiving any benefit from parties associated with the transaction and has insisted that no evidence exists to substantiate even minor claims of personal gain. “I was not even taken to lunch,” he said.

The Alfa Nero has remained at the centre of sustained legal and political controversy following its seizure and subsequent government-managed sale.