ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Minister Gaston Browne says he feels “fully vindicated” after a US federal court dismissed subpoenas issued against him, his family, senior officials, and private companies in Antigua and Barbuda.
The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled in favor of the Antiguan government, quashing all subpoenas requested by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, daughter of a sanctioned Russian national linked to the luxury yacht Alfa Nero.
In a written decision, Judge Jesse M. Furman found that Guryeva-Motlokhov “failed to meet the statutory requirements for relief” under US law. The court also vacated its prior authorization and ordered the destruction of any materials obtained.
We will always defend the integrity of our institutions and the good name of those who serve them,” he said.
In a detailed Memorandum Opinion and Order, Judge Jesse M. Furman held that the applicant “failed to meet the statutory requirements for relief” under 28 U.S.C. § 1782. As a result, the Court – quashed the subpoenas in their entirety; Vacated its earlier ex parte order that had authorized the subpoenas; and directed the applicant’s counsel to arrange the prompt destruction of any material 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. It was a fishing expedition aimed at harassing the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, its Prime
Minister, and others through false and malicious allegations.
In commenting on the ruling, Attorney-General Sir Steadroy Benjamin said “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 weaponize foreign court processes against Antigua and Barbuda.”
In a statement, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda said remains firmly committed to transparency, the rule of law, and the highest standards of public accountability.
“At the same time, it will vigorously oppose any effort—domestic or foreign—to tarnish the reputations of its officials or to coerce the nation into abandoning decisions made in the best interests of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
