**Summary: Federal Judge Approves Subpoenas for Financial Records in Megayacht Case**
A federal judge in New York has authorized the attorneys of Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, a Russian woman claiming ownership of the Alfa Nero megayacht, to issue subpoenas for financial records related to the yacht’s sale involving Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
### Who, What, When, Where, Why
– **Who**: Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov and Prime Minister Gaston Browne
– **What**: Subpoenas for financial records regarding the sale of the Alfa Nero megayacht
– **When**: Ruling made on Monday
– **Where**: New York, USA; Antigua and Barbuda
– **Why**: Guryeva-Motlokhov claims rightful ownership of the yacht, which was seized and sold by the local government.
### Financial Records and Subpoenas
The judge’s ruling allows Guryeva-Motlokhov’s attorneys to access financial records from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the U.S.-based Clearing House Payments Co. However, they must first notify Prime Minister Browne and other officials involved.
– **Attorney Statement**: “The financial records will speak for themselves,” stated Martin De Luca from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP.
– **Background**: The Alfa Nero megayacht was seized by the Antiguan government after being anchored for months. It was sold last year for $40 million.
### Allegations and Government Response
Guryeva-Motlokhov’s legal team has accused Browne’s administration of withholding documents related to the yacht’s sale.
– **Sanctions**: The yacht’s previous owner, Andrey Guryev, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in August 2022. The yacht was removed from the sanctions list in June 2023 to facilitate its sale.
– **Public Claims**: Browne has stated that details of the yacht sale are public and provided documents to the Associated Press, claiming they disprove allegations of missing funds.
### Proceeds and Usage
Antigua’s opposition leaders are demanding transparency regarding how the proceeds from the yacht sale were utilized.
– **Government Statements**: Browne’s wife, Maria Browne, indicated that the proceeds were used to pay off government debt, while the Prime Minister previously suggested the funds could be used for a resort project.
### Targeted Individuals and Entities
The subpoenas will seek information on transactions involving:
– **Individuals**: Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his wife, their son, Antigua’s general accountant, and the port manager.
– **Entities**: West Indies Oil Co. Ltd. and Fancy Bridge Ltd., among others.
### Conclusion
As the legal battle unfolds, will the financial records reveal the truth behind the yacht’s sale?
**FAQ: What is the significance of the Alfa Nero megayacht in this case?**
The Alfa Nero megayacht is central to the case as Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov claims it is rightfully hers, and its sale has raised questions about financial transparency and government accountability in Antigua and Barbuda.
