PM Browne moved swiftly this week as he instructed his legal team to file a US$10 million defamation claim tied to new allegations about the Alfa Nero superyacht. Moreover, he confirmed that a pre-action letter will reach the U.S. firm Boies Schiller Flexner within 48 hours. He also revealed that former political leader Harold Lovell will face legal action next.

Browne stressed that the claims circulating overseas are false. He vowed to defend his name and protect the country’s reputation. Additionally, he warned that anyone spreading fabricated allegations would face consequences.

The Alfa Nero saga began in February 2022 when the 267-foot superyacht arrived in Falmouth Harbour. It sat abandoned for more than a year as sanctions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict mounted. As costs climbed, the government declared the vessel a hazard under the Port Authority Act.

In March 2023, the government announced plans to auction the yacht. Maintenance fees, security costs, and legal uncertainty all pushed the decision. Eventually, after several delays, the yacht sold in June 2023 to U.S. billionaire Eric Schmidt for US$67.6 million.

However, challenges soon emerged. The daughter of the yacht’s alleged owner contested the sale. Other parties also launched legal claims. As a result, hearings took place in both the United States and Antigua and Barbuda. The proceeds remain locked while the courts sort through the disputes.

Throughout the controversy, Browne defended the government’s actions. He argued that Antigua and Barbuda followed the law and protected the public interest. He repeatedly noted that ongoing legal battles have stopped the country from accessing much-needed funds from the sale.

Now, this new legal step shifts the conflict into the sphere of international defamation. Observers expect a strong response from the U.S. law firm once the pre-action letter arrives. Meanwhile, no official comment has yet been issued by Boies Schiller Flexner.

The Alfa Nero remains one of the region’s most closely watched legal dramas. Furthermore, more updates are expected as the government doubles down on its position and pushes back against new accusations.

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