Government officials say they were unaware of a US$450,000 commission tied to the Alfa Nero superyacht sale.

Furthermore, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the African Union, Johann Hesse, appeared before Cabinet after allegations surfaced in court filings.

Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant explained that the filings sought to link Hesse to Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Therefore, Cabinet called the ambassador in “in the interest of transparency and accountability.”

According to Merchant, Cabinet was not previously aware that Hesse and his business partner, Rufus Gobat, helped identify buyers. Officials questioned them to “get to the bottom” of the matter.

Merchant also disputed claims in the filings, including references to Hesse as the Prime Minister’s “right-hand man.” Instead, he emphasized no government funds were involved.

Moreover, Cabinet recorded that Hesse said Gobat’s UK-registered company received the US$450,000 after securing a buyer during the early sale process.

Hesse confirmed that no Cabinet member, government official, or family member—including the Prime Minister—benefited from the commission. In addition, sworn affidavits from Hesse and Gobat support this statement.

Gobat joined the meeting via Teams. He added that the commission was declared in the United Kingdom and taxed there. Both intend to issue public statements.

Questions arose about whether Hesse qualifies as a politically exposed person. However, the government rejected the implication, noting private business outside public funds is legal.

Merchant said the commission did not come from government coffers or direct sale proceeds. Instead, it was tied to the private transaction process. Documentation on the direct sale was released previously.

Meanwhile, the Alfa Nero sale, completed for US$40 million in July 2024, continues to generate litigation abroad and in Antigua. Court proceedings and discovery efforts remain active.

In the U.S., subpoenas have targeted financial records related to Antiguan officials. Furthermore, documents have been admitted into related Russian proceedings, with hearings scheduled for March 2026.

In conclusion, the government maintains it had no prior knowledge of the commission. Officials insist the Alfa Nero matter is private and will defend the sale if challenged.