Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he feels “fully vindicated” following a significant legal win in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which has quashed all subpoenas issued against him, his family members, senior government officials, and several private companies.
The subpoenas were filed at the request of Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, daughter of a sanctioned Russian national connected to the super-yacht Alfa Nero. In a Memorandum Opinion and Order, Judge Jesse M. Furman found that Guryeva-Motlokhov “failed to meet the statutory requirements for relief” under 28 U.S.C. § 1782.
As a result, the court took decisive action:
- It quashed the subpoenas in their entirety,
- Vacated its previous ex parte order that had authorized the subpoenas, and
- Directed the applicant’s counsel to arrange the prompt destruction of any materials already produced.
“This ruling confirms what the government has said from the outset: the application had no merit, no legal foundation, and no legitimate purpose,” the Government of Antigua and Barbuda stated in an official release. “It was a fishing expedition aimed at harassing the government of Antigua and Barbuda, its prime minister, and others through false and malicious allegations.”
Prime Minister Browne welcomed the ruling, saying:
“Today’s decision is complete vindication. The Court has confirmed that these subpoenas were never justified. We will always defend the integrity of our institutions and the good name of those who serve them.”
Attorney-General Sir Steadroy Benjamin echoed those sentiments, noting:
“The Court’s order speaks for itself: the applicant could not satisfy even the basic legal threshold. We trust this outcome will deter any future attempts to weaponise foreign court processes against Antigua and Barbuda.”
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and high standards of public accountability, while pledging to vigorously oppose any attempt—domestic or foreign—to undermine its sovereignty or reputation.
