Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that senior official Johann Hesse was summoned before the Cabinet following revelations of a substantial undisclosed commission payment related to the Alfa Nero superyacht transaction. The development emerged during Browne’s weekly radio program, the Browne and Browne Show, where he addressed growing concerns about the financial arrangements surrounding the vessel’s 2024 sale.
Court documents recently unveiled in the United Kingdom exposed a US$450,000 introductory commission paid to Rufus Gobat, identified as Hesse’s business associate. Prime Minister Browne emphasized that this substantial payment had not been formally disclosed to government authorities, prompting immediate scrutiny. However, the Prime Minister clarified that preliminary investigations have uncovered no evidence suggesting Hesse engaged in illegal activities regarding this transaction.
During Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Hesse provided comprehensive explanations regarding the controversial payment. He asserted that the commission was exclusively part of a private business arrangement between Gobat and himself, completely separate from any government funds or resources. Hesse further testified that no government officials, Cabinet members, or their relatives derived any financial benefit from this transaction.
The Alfa Nero superyacht, previously owned by sanctioned Russian billionaire Andrey Guryev, has been at the center of complex international negotiations since its seizure. Antigua’s government has been attempting to sell the luxury vessel through legal channels, making transparency in all financial aspects particularly crucial given the sensitive nature of the asset.
Prime Minister Browne indicated that additional information regarding this matter is anticipated to emerge as investigations continue. The government maintains its commitment to ensuring all transactions related to state assets undergo proper scrutiny while preserving the integrity of its administrative processes.