Attorneys representing Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, daughter of U.S.-sanctioned Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev, have filed a request in a U.S. federal court seeking access to financial records of several officials in Antigua and Barbuda, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

The legal move is part of an ongoing effort to challenge the Antigua and Barbuda government’s seizure and sale of the 265-foot megayacht, Alfa Nero, which had been anchored off Antigua for more than two years. The yacht, originally valued at $120 million, was sold for $40 million to a Turkish conglomerate in July 2024. Guryeva-Motlokhov, who claims rightful ownership of the vessel, alleges a lack of transparency in the sale process.

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), Guryeva-Motlokhov’s legal team is requesting documents and information related to wire transfers and other financial transactions involving seven individuals and 12 entities over the past five years. Among those targeted are Prime Minister Browne, his wife, his son, Antigua’s general accountant, and the country’s port manager.

The entities under scrutiny include the government-majority-owned West Indies Oil Company Ltd. and Fancy Bridge Ltd., a Hong Kong-based investment firm that holds shares in the oil company alongside Venezuela’s state-run oil firm, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA).

The sale of the Alfa Nero, which was carried out under the Port Authority Amendment Act 2023, remains a contentious issue. The Antigua and Barbuda government claims it had the legal authority to seize and sell the vessel, citing national security and economic concerns. However, Guryeva-Motlokhov has launched multiple legal challenges against the government’s actions, asserting that she is the rightful owner.

Additionally, Flying Dutchman Overseas Limited has also laid claim to the Alfa Nero, arguing that the Antiguan government’s actions were unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Martin De Luca of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, told AP News that “the disappearance of millions from the sale of the Alfa Nero is just the beginning.” He added that the legal discovery process aims to uncover whether any “backroom deals for personal enrichment” took place.

While there is no indication that Prime Minister Browne has been formally served with any documents from the U.S. federal court, his Chief of Staff, Lionel Hurst, confirmed that the government is aware of the AP report.

Antigua’s High Court has already heard arguments challenging the validity of the Port Authority Amendment Act 2023, but the government continues to defend its decision, maintaining that the sale was lawful and necessary.