A pivotal court decision is expected in February 2025 regarding the constitutionality of the government’s seizure and sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht. The case pits Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, daughter of sanctioned Russian oligarch Andrey Guryev, against Flying Dutchman Overseas Limited, with legal challenges centered on the Port Authority Amendment Act 2023.
The government, represented by six of the 11 lawyers in the case, argues the yacht was abandoned after the owner failed to claim it within the legal timeframe. Sold for $40 million to an undisclosed Turkish billionaire, proceeds from the sale were used to address state debts.
Seized in April 2023, the Alfa Nero accrued $1.7 million in maintenance costs while docked in Falmouth Harbour. Now returning to Antigua’s waters, it is set to rejoin the charter market at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December 2024, according to Northrop and Johnson.
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I feel as though this alfa nero matter will not go away and antiigua and barbuda will lose out. We took the peoples boat. We need to return it.
The controversy surrounding the Alfa Nero is a reminder of how complex international law can be It’s intriguing to see how the court will handle the challenges raised by Guryeva Motlokhov and Flying Dutchman Overseas Limited
The real story is how a greedy government decides to take what isn’t theirs. The boat was abandoned with reason. The US sanctioned Russia during the war. Come on Gaston. Everything people has you want? You and the port manager. Greedy people.
Dear Mr. Editor,
Permit me to REMIND Us All of The Haste with which This New Law was passed in a Sitting in Which the Opposition Members PLEADED for MORE Time to Truly Understand what EXACTLY were the Parameters of This Law which entailed aspects that required Further Research in the Opposition Members estimation ….
……. This time was Not Granted by the Speaker of the House ….. The Opposition, realizing that Its Members could Not Adequately DEBATE This New Law, walked out of the Parliamentary Sitting, accompanied by Boos and Put Downs by the M Ps on the Government Side of the House.
Didn’t These Government M Ps proceed to Pass THIS NEW LAW (using the EMERGENCY Tactic of Hurricane Danger) with All 3 Readings in A Sngle Sitting of Parliament……. VERY VERY SAD ….. We name such Actions in ANU/BAR — “Grabadoosha”!!!!
This Action taken by The Leaders of Government Administration —. The Cabinet — has turned around to BITE ALL OF US — The Taxpayers of This Nation……
……. Check How Much of OUR TAX DOLLARS have been used for the Upkeep of This SUPER Yatch and Much More will be Required of US as it is reputedly sold by Our Government for a Price BELOW Its Worth!!!
…… Can This be seen as A case of “Haste Results in Waste”? Not Enough Thought and Discussion was held on THIS Very Important Action due to the Apparent HASTE to Do Something that has NEVER been done Before; and The Opposition Members of Parliament were Denied Any INPUT in the Discussions that Resulted In the Seizure of THIS Mega Super Yatch……. Let us Look Very Closely at the DETAILS that has Landed THIS Very Poor Country in the MESS which now Is Placed On the backs of The Taxpaying Citizens. Such A Great SHAME on Our Government Leaders …….😢😢😢😢😢😢
The fact that the government was able to use the proceeds from the sale of the Alfa Nero to alleviate state debts adds another layer of complexity to this case It will be interesting to see if the court agrees with their actions or not
I always has and will always have an issue with how this matter was handled..yje government saw an opportunity to make a windfall and they grabbed it, without examining the implications of their actions. Or perhaps they just didn’t care. From the moment that someone came to claim the boat and the government realize it was legit, they should have left it go. It is not yours in the first place. The woman said she was willing to pay all the debt that the vessel accumulated. Antigua and Barbuda had nothing to lose. Now the government is entangled in a legal battle with a family who can afford it. This woman is wealthy. At the end of the matter she will be wealthy and this little island will be poorer for it. Shameful.
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Didn’t the alledged owner say that her Lawyers made several attempts to reach the AG and that they were all ignored? It that true; did the AG decide not to respond to the owner so govt. could have the pretext of “abandonment” in order to confiscate the vessel?
Btw, what happened to all the hovoc the vessel was supposed to wreak during the hurricane season; wasn’t that the main reason why it was it taken?
And for anyone who thinks that the alledged
owner of the vessel stands a chance of winning this case, that’s not going to happen in any Antiguan court…The separation is a mirage! Plus, there’s much money to be made from this Russian billionaire for certain law firms. They’re gonna continue to milk that cash cow. 😂😂
#whitecollarcrime
” Judge not, that ye be not judged”. Let us wait to see the outcome.
If found against Antigua Barbuda, what a mess1. we will be in.
We the people, need to see is a “Closing Statement” i.e. The distribution of funds: US$40 Million: Less: 1. Bank charges, 2. Marina debts or dockage and fuel, 3. Wages to crew,4. Legal fees, 5. Detail of advances made by Government, 6. Administration charges, 7. AB law change costs, 8. travel costs, 8. Commissions paid to all agents in this transaction. 9. other costs and disbursements.
What is the NET realized and used to discharged debt. Such report subjected to audit by and independent firm.
In a coincidence, it was seen at Jolly Harbour/Pearns Point today (Saturday).
The Privy Council is where this case will probably end up.
The Russians wrapped up in this are not the Barbudans when it comes to funding for their legal battles.
Next it will be the Lait2020 deal that will be in the courts, just watch.
All will be exposed soon. Just too many shady deals Negotiated by GB.
I’m not hoping for the down fall of Antigua, but I warned y’all that this Government is as corrupt as they come, and it’s just a matter of time the dominoes will start falling.
Just watch.
Abandoned??? So is found they found it??? Hehehehe! Boy, this is going to cost us big-time!