PM Gaston Browne (pictured) Judge Denies Delay Tactics, Orders Financial Records Be Produced Under Strict Confidentiality
In a landmark ruling with serious implications for Antigua and Barbuda’s political leadership, a U.S. federal court has lifted a temporary block on subpoenas aimed at uncovering potential financial misconduct involving Prime Minister Gaston Browne, members of his family, and close associates.
The decision, handed down by Judge Jesse M. Furman in the Southern District of New York on April 22, 2025, allows discovery to proceed in an international legal matter brought by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, a businesswoman seeking evidence for use in foreign legal proceedings tied to the seizure and sale of the luxury yacht Alfa Nero.
The subpoenas target international wire transfer records linked to 19 individuals and entities, including Browne, his wife Minister Maria Browne, and others alleged to be involved in questionable transactions. The U.S. court ruled that efforts to quash or delay the subpoenas lacked merit, and emphasized that the privacy claims made by Browne’s legal team were minimal given the nature of the records sought.
To protect against premature public disclosure, the court ordered that any financial documents obtained through the subpoenas be handled on an Attorneys’-Eyes-Only basis—meaning only legal counsel may view the information unless otherwise ordered.
“This is a strong blow against efforts to delay the truth,” said attorneys for the Applicant. “The court has confirmed that there is a clear public interest in moving forward, especially given the highly politicized atmosphere in Antigua and Barbuda.”
In its filings, the Applicant’s legal team accused Prime Minister Browne of using intimidation and defamation threats—including vulgar online attacks against opposing counsel—to disrupt the proceedings. The court was informed that Browne has made public statements promising lawsuits against the Applicant, journalists, and even the chairman of the opposition party, D. Gisele Isaac, in connection with the corruption allegations.
Observers believe the matter could intensify as speculation grows around a possible snap general election in Antigua and Barbuda, with the Browne administration appearing increasingly under pressure.
The Court has ordered that the parties submit a finalized protective order by April 25, 2025, to govern the handling of the forthcoming evidence.
