ST. JOHN, Antigua and Barbuda – 15th April 2025……A U.S. federal judge has granted a temporary stay on subpoenas served to Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the West Indies Oil Company Ltd. (WIOC), and other individuals connected to an ongoing discovery dispute initiated by Russian national Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov.
In a decision issued Monday, Judge Jesse M. Furman of the Southern District of New York ruled that the subpoenas will be suspended while motions to quash them are under review. The stay covers Prime Minister Browne, the group referred to as the “Antiguan Movants,” and WIOC, which is not a party to the case.
Guryeva-Motlokhov is seeking evidence under 28 U.S.C. § 1782—a statute that permits individuals to obtain documents and testimony in the United States for use in foreign legal proceedings. Both WIOC and Antiguan officials have opposed the subpoenas, prompting legal motions to halt them.
Judge Furman explained that the stay was necessary, as compliance with the subpoenas could interfere with the pending motions to quash. Guryeva-Motlokhov has until April 21 to submit a written response, limited to four pages, if she intends to challenge the stay.
The court also ordered that a single, consolidated legal brief be filed in response to both motions to quash.
Attorneys for Prime Minister Browne and the Antiguan officials view the swift issuance of the Order for Stay of Discovery—granted within 24 hours of their request—as a sign that the judge is closely engaged with the case and understands the significance of the issues at hand.
