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Johann Hesse and Rufus Gobat Clarify Brokerage Arrangements Related to the motor yacht Alfa Nero

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Johann Hesse and Rufus Gobat clarify brokerage arrangements related to the motor yacht ALFA NERO.
Alfa Nero Superyacht

PRESS RELEASE

St. John’s Antigua and Barbuda – Johann Hesse and Rufus Gobat today issued the following statement to clarify public commentary regarding the brokerage arrangements connected to the sale of the motor yacht ALFA NERO.

A United Kingdom- registered company, Caribbean Lifestyle Services Ltd, entered into a formal Agreement (Introducer Introductory Fee Agreement) with Northrop & Johnson Monaco SAM in June 2024. This agreement followed discussions with industry professionals after an earlier auction process involving a separate prospective purchaser proved unsuccessful.

Under the terms of the contract, any introducer compensation was expressly structured to be paid solely from the broker’s earned commission and only in the event of a completed qualifying sale to a buyer handled by the brokerage. No compensation was payable outside of these conditions.

All sums arising under this arrangement were duly declared in the United Kingdom in accordance with applicable legal, compliance and tax obligations. Caribbean Lifestyle Services Ltd maintains that transparency, proper documentation, and compliance with UK taxation and regulatory requirements are fundamental to its operations.

Neither Mr. Hesse, Mr. Gobat, nor Caribbean Lifestyle Services Ltd remitted, directly or indirectly, any portion of introducer compensation to any public official or to any relative of a public official.

Mr. Hesse and Mr. Gobat remain committed to ensuring that the factual record reflects the straightforward commercial nature of the agreement: a standard industry introducer structure, contingent upon a successful transaction, payable from brokerage commissions, and handled within established tax, compliance and regulatory frameworks.

It is also important to clarify that the figures referenced publicly do not represent any additional commission or hidden compensation. They form part of a negotiated allocation contained entirely within the broker’s previously disclosed commission structure. No separate or supplemental payment existed beyond what was transparently provided for under the brokerage arrangement.

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Comments (8)

  • Jehan M February 14, 2026, 4:10 PM

    Let’s be fair and deal with facts, not feelings.
    From the statement issued by Johann Hesse and Rufus Gobat, it is clear that the arrangement regarding the sale of Motor Yacht Alfa Nero was structured through a formal introducer agreement with a recognized international brokerage firm. The compensation was not a random payout, not a government cheque, and not taxpayer money. It was tied specifically to the broker’s earned commission and only payable if a successful sale occurred. That is standard business practice in international brokerage.
    The agreement was formal. The company involved was UK-registered. The funds were declared in the United Kingdom in accordance with legal and tax obligations. There is also an explicit statement that no portion of the compensation was paid to any public official or relative of a public official.
    So the real question becomes: where is the wrongdoing? Introducing a buyer in a failed auction situation is a legitimate commercial service. If you help connect a serious buyer to a broker and a deal closes, introducer fees are normal in global transactions. This happens every day in real estate, maritime sales, private equity, and high-value asset brokerage. It is important that we separate politics from professionalism.
    If there is evidence of illegality, present it. If not, then constant insinuation only damages reputations without proof. Transparency was provided. The structure was explained. The taxes were declared. No public funds were diverted. At some point, fairness must matter.
    Antigua and Barbuda needs to move beyond suspicion as a reflex and focus on facts. Based on the documented explanation given, this appears to be a lawful private commercial arrangement — not the scandal some are trying to manufacture.
    Let’s debate with evidence, not emotion. Simple!

  • Informed citizen February 14, 2026, 12:00 PM

    If everything was above board, explain it clearly and move on. I’m already tired if this

  • +1268 February 14, 2026, 12:55 AM

    Ambassadors such as Johann Hesse (who are not heads of mission and do not run embassies or high commissions) do not receive any salary from the government for their work. Johann Hesse has every right to pursue a professional career and earn money from his work.

  • Apex Jones February 13, 2026, 7:23 PM

    Oh Lord ah fed up with this already

  • Ash February 13, 2026, 6:13 PM

    It is about time that this Alfa Nero nonesence is over with. If the man and his business partner gets a job whats the sin in that

  • tired of BS February 13, 2026, 5:36 PM

    The company was registered in the UK in April of 2021 yet filed accounts as a dormant company for the periods ending in April 2022, 2023, and 2024, but transitioned to filing micro-company accounts for its most recent 2025 financial period. So…..this company did NO BUSINESS until the sale of AlfaNero in June of 2023?
    This company (Caribbean Lifestyle Services Ltd) while the UK entity handles real estate management, the brand also operates as Caribbean Lifestyle Services (CaribLife) in Antigua and Barbuda, offering concierge, Citizenship by Investment, and luxury real estate services……CIP Services people!!! The company facilitates applications for Antiguan Citizenship by Investment. As of February 2026, Caribbean Lifestyle Services (CaribLife) and its partner network, including Luxury Locations, manage an extensive portfolio of high-end real estate in Antigua. Their listings primarily focus on the prestigious West Coast, particularly in Jolly Harbour and Pearns Point, and are frequently approved for the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). So…..it is not just the sale of the AlfaNero……interesting

  • Role February 13, 2026, 4:09 PM

    Thanks for the clarification. All the people who want to taint Hesse need to back off. He is a good man.

  • Krandelle February 13, 2026, 4:08 PM

    From what they saying, this was a private business deal between a UK company and the broker not government money, not taxpayers’ funds. Since we heard that from the Cabinet yesterday people should realize what happened. They also saying the money was declared and taxes paid in the UK, and nobody in government got a cut. People will always talk, especially with something high-profile like ALFA NERO. But unless somebody have real proof of wrongdoing, we can’t just run with rumours. If everything was done legally and above board, then that’s that. Fair is fair. Let facts lead not vibes and gossip and nonesence

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