Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan SC says legal proceedings linked to allegations surrounding the sale of the superyacht Alfa Nero are expected to be filed before the end of January, as Prime Minister Gaston Browne signalled that further legal action could follow against political figures who repeat claims he says are false.
Astaphan made the disclosure during a radio interview alongside Browne, stating that a pre action letter has already been sent to Martin De Luca of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP and the firm on the basis of vicarious liability.
He said his team is now revising and settling drafts for filing and expects to meet the end of January target, while stressing the case is “major” and requires careful preparation. Astaphan said the legal team intends to pursue exemplary damages and aggravated damages, and explained these are linked to claims of improper financial motivation and malicious or irresponsible conduct.
During the same exchange, Browne said he has already instructed attorneys to pursue legal action against Lovell, accusing him of repeating the allegations publicly. However, PM Browne suggested the initial focus remains on De Luca and related claims, telling listeners, “We have a bigger fish to deal with, but we’re coming to him.”
Astaphan also referenced proceedings in New York linked to document requests, stating that subpoenas were quashed and that any documents obtained were ordered destroyed, though he noted the matter is under appeal. He insisted the allegation being discussed is “absolutely false”.
Browne denied receiving any benefit from parties involved and said they could not substantiate even minor claims of personal gain.
Meanwhile, new filings in early 2026 indicate that discovery efforts in the Alfa Nero matter are ongoing, with additional document requests anticipated as part of procedural steps in related proceedings.
The Alfa Nero, a luxury superyacht linked to sanctioned Russian interests, was seized by the government while it was berthed in Antigua and later sold, triggering multi jurisdiction litigation and public controversy over the sale process and where proceeds went. A U.S. federal judge previously authorised subpoena efforts tied to financial records of Antiguan and Barbudan officials as part of legal actions brought by attorneys for Yulia Guryeva Motlokhov, who has been pursuing recovery claims related to the yacht.
