The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has recently granted WWRT Limited (“WWRT”) final leave to appeal in its claim for approximately USD 80 million against prominent Ukrainian businessman, Boris Kaufman. The claim was commenced by WWRT against Boris Kaufman and Carosan Trading Limited in the British Virgin Island Courts, in 2021.

The order from the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court now means that the matter will be heard before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (“JCPC”), the highest court in the UK, and is the latest in a string of decisions made against Mr Kaufman, who was arrested earlier this year on criminal charges in Ukraine.

On 7 September 2023, the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine arrested Mr Boris Kaufman, in an ongoing criminal case in Ukraine regarding the alleged illegal seizure of Odessa International Airport. In 2011, ownership of 75% of Odessa International Airport was transferred to Odessa Airport Development Limited, a company controlled by Mr Boris Kaufman and it is alleged that Mr Kaufman continues to hold substantial assets directly and indirectly via various business connections, including in the UK.

At a recent hearing in the criminal case against Mr Kaufman, which took place at the High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine, one of the prosecution’s key pieces of evidence was the testimony of Ms Olga Gutovska, a well-known lawyer and business woman, the majority owner of WWRT and managing partner of Gutovska & Partners.

Rosling King LLP is acting on behalf of WWRT in the JCPC appeal, with international law firm Conyers assisting in the BVI & Gutovska & Partners in Ukraine.

For further information, please contact Georgina Squire or the Partner with whom you usually deal.