PM Browne's Son to Open Bank Records in Alfa Nero Superyacht Case
PM Gaston Browne says his son will cooperate with US lawyers and allow scrutiny of his bank accounts in the $40M Alfa Nero superyacht dispute.
Browne III Offers Full Cooperation Ahead of Florida Court Deadline
Prime Minister Gaston Browne's son, Gaston Andron Browne III, is "prepared" to open his bank records to scrutiny and travel to the United States to cooperate with lawyers gathering evidence in the Alfa Nero superyacht case, the Antigua Observer reports. The offer comes ahead of a key status report deadline before a United States federal court on Monday, November 9.
A court in the Southern District of Florida is awaiting an update on efforts to obtain documents and evidence relating to the Antigua and Barbuda government's US$40 million sale of the luxury vessel in 2024. Russian national Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, who claims an ownership interest in the yacht, has been directed to submit a report indicating the progress of the evidence-gathering exercise and whether proceedings can be brought to a close.
Browne disclosed on Saturday that his son's attorneys had written to US law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, confirming willingness to engage with the legal process. "He has written to them, got his lawyer to write to them to confirm that he will cooperate," the Prime Minister said. "So as soon as they set a date, he will travel to the United States and what information they want, they can get."
The Prime Minister also confirmed that his family would not obstruct a review of Browne III's financial transactions. "Even the issue about going into his bank accounts to chase all of his transactions, we have decided let them do it because we're not involved in any illegality," he stated.
Subpoenas Authorised Following September Ruling
The assurances follow a September 7 ruling by United States Magistrate Judge Marty Fulgueira Elfenbein, authorising additional subpoenas for documents from Browne III and several individuals and businesses connected to the sale of the yacht. The ruling came after a supplemental application by Guryeva-Motlokhov seeking to expand an existing discovery exercise into the circumstances surrounding the government's seizure and disposal of the Alfa Nero.
The application sought documents and information concerning the yacht's valuation, negotiations over its sale, the individuals involved in the transaction and the handling of the proceeds. Among those subject to additional discovery were Browne III, yacht executive Cromwell Littlejohn, businessman Warren E. Halle, Fraser Yachts Florida, MarineMax and Northrop & Johnson Yachts-Ships.
Lawyers for the applicant argued that Browne III could possess relevant information about the sale and its financial arrangements. Their submissions included allegations concerning the possible movement of money and the involvement of individuals associated with the Prime Minister. Those assertions, however, remain allegations made in support of the discovery application. The court's decision to authorise subpoenas did not establish that Browne III, his father or any other individual had engaged in financial misconduct.
The order was issued under Section 1782 of United States law, which permits American federal courts to assist in obtaining evidence for use in legal proceedings in other countries. The Florida proceedings concern evidence intended for use in foreign legal disputes connected to the Alfa Nero, not a criminal prosecution of the Prime Minister or his son. Judge Elfenbein authorised the issuance of subpoenas as submitted and directed that discovery proceed in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, retaining jurisdiction to issue further orders if necessary.
A Controversy Rooted in Sanctions and Competing Claims
The Alfa Nero has been the subject of prolonged legal and political controversy since the 81-metre superyacht became stranded in Antigua following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent imposition of international sanctions against wealthy Russian interests. The Antigua and Barbuda government introduced legislation allowing certain vessels deemed abandoned to be seized and sold, maintaining that the yacht had become a financial and operational burden.
An initial auction in 2023 drew a winning bid of approximately US$67.6 million from former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt. That transaction was never completed, however, amid legal challenges and competing ownership claims. The government eventually sold the vessel privately in July 2024 for a reported US$40 million — a substantially lower figure that, along with questions about the accounting for the proceeds, has featured prominently in public debate and ongoing legal challenges.
Guryeva-Motlokhov has consistently maintained that the government's seizure and sale of the vessel were unlawful and has pursued evidence she believes could establish what occurred. The government has defended its actions, insisting the yacht was dealt with in accordance with Antigua and Barbuda's laws. Browne has also repeatedly denied allegations of corruption or personal enrichment arising from the transaction.
Defamation Link Adds Further Dimension
The Florida proceedings have attracted additional attention because of the participation of Boies Schiller Flexner and attorney E. Martin De Luca, who are also involved in a separate defamation dispute with the Prime Minister in Antigua and Barbuda. The law firm and De Luca have indicated they are seeking evidence they say is relevant to defending themselves against that action, adding a further layer of legal complexity to an already contentious case.
Source: Antigua Observer