A legal decision is expected in February 2025 regarding the constitutionality of the government’s actions in seizing and selling the Alfa Nero superyacht.
The High Court heard arguments from two parties challenging the sale — Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, daughter of sanctioned Russian oligarch Andrey Guryev, and Flying Dutchman Overseas Limited.
Attorney Dr David Dorsett representing Guryeva-Motlokhov, specifically challenged the validity of the Port Authority Amendment Act 2023.
Eleven lawyers, six representing the government, presented legal arguments during the hearing.
The government maintained that the vessel was deemed abandoned after the owner failed to claim it within the stipulated timeframe.
The yacht was sold for $40 million to an unnamed “Turkish billionaire”, with proceeds reportedly used immediately to pay off state debts.
The vessel had been a subject of prolonged legal and financial complications since its initial seizure in April 2023.
Maintenance costs were estimated around US $1.7 million during its time in Falmouth Harbour and the vessel has made several returns to Antiguan waters and will make a return to the charter market during Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December 2024, according to the Alfa Nero’s central broker at Northrop and Johnson.
