Tatiana Akhmedova v Farkhad Akhmedov
AAZ v BBZ: [2016] EWHC 3234 (Fam), Case No: FD13D05340
This site is a repository of information for anyone interested in the case. It is a transparent, accurate and impartial resource, with all information sourced from judicial findings. It sets out the full history and context of the proceedings, including: a timeline of events, a description of the historic and ongoing legal proceedings, and a “FAQ” section.
Divorce
Farkhad and Tatiana are married in Moscow
Tatiana granted indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom. Farkhad also has indefinite leave to remain status
Tatiana issues first divorce petition in London. Farkhad applies to strike out the petition claiming an earlier Russian divorce. The parties reconcile shortly afterwards
Farkhad’s solicitor, Mr Kerman, signs a consent application to dismiss Tatiana’s 2003 divorce petition, stating “the parties having been reconciled”
Tatiana issues divorce petition against Farkhad
After a failed reconciliation attempt, Farkhad and Tatiana’s marriage ended. Except for a temporary hiatus in 2003-2004, the marriage had lasted over 20 years1
A decree nisi is granted
Commencement of hearing for Tatiana’s applications for financial orders before Mr Justice Haddon-Cave in the High Court of Justice, Family Division
Farkhad causes the Artwork to be transferred into Qubo 1's ownership and physically moved to the Stabiq Treasure House in Liechtenstein2
The Luna is transferred by Avenger to Qubo 2 – later described as a "rapid series of further surreptitious steps to attempt to place his yacht further beyond the reach of enforcement"(Haddon-Cave J)3
US$650 million was transferred from Cotor Investments SA account at UBS in Switzerland to Cotor Investments SA account at LGT in Liechtenstein4
The Court grants Tatiana financial relief against Farkhad in the sum of £453,576,152. A decree absolute is issued, formalising the divorce
Cotor Investment SA (which held US$650m ) Qubo 1 and Qubo 2 each found to be Farkhad’s nominee or alter ego.
Farkhad’s lawyer and ‘man of business’, Anthony (Andy) Kerman of Kerman & Co is cross-examined and reveals transfers of US$650m and the Artwork to a Liechtenstein trust structure
EWHC-2561-Fam-at-14e, EWHC-2561-Fam-at-15b, EWHC-2561-Fam-at-17c
Haddon-Cave J concludes that Qubo 1 and Qubo 2 "form part of the latest scheme by H to hide his assets" and "this transfer [of the Artwork] was at an undervalue or nil value and was simply the latest part of H's attempts to avoid his liabilities by purporting to transfer his assets to new entities in a new jurisdiction and thereby making enforcement more difficult"6
Tatiana obtains a freezing order in Liechtenstein against Cotor Investments SA for £351,096,971. However, LGT informs the court in Liechtenstein that LGT did not hold any attachable assets on behalf of Cotor Investments SA as at 4 January 20177
Qubo 2 transfers the Luna to Straight Establishment8
Mr Justice Haddon-Cave concludes that the transfer of the Luna from Qubo 2 to Straight Establishment was "part of H's continuing campaign to defeat W by concealing his assets in a web of offshore companies". Straight Establishment and Avenger each found to be Farkhad’s nominee or alter ego. He granted further orders pursuant to which he (amongst other things) ordered that the Luna be transferred to Tatiana
Mrs Justice Knowles grants relief intended to ensure that the Luna was not moved from Dubai
Mrs Justice Knowles grants a freezing order against Counselor and Sobaldo, and orders them to give disclosure
Tatiana joins Counselor and Sobaldo as Eighth and Ninth Respondents and brings claims for, amongst other things, orders to set aside transfers of US$650m to and then between Liechtenstein trusts of which Counselor and Sobaldo are trustees
Tatiana issues First Committal Proceedings against Straight for breach of the order dated 26 March 2019
Tatiana issues Second Committal Proceedings against Qubo 1 for breach of the order dated 20 December 2016
Tatiana issues Third Committal Proceedings against Straight for breach of the order dated 21 March 2018
Tatiana issues Fourth Committal Proceedings against Counselor and Sobaldo for breach of the order dated 15 August 2019
Tatiana joins Temur Akhmedov as Tenth Respondent
Judgment issued by Mrs Justice Knowles striking out Temur’s counterclaim relating to Tatiana’s litigation funding
Judgment issued by Mrs Justice Knowles rejecting applications by the Committal Respondents to stay / vary orders against them.
Tatiana joins Borderedge as Eleventh Respondent
Mrs Justice Knowles grants a freezing order against Temur Akhmedov, and ancillary disclosure orders.
Mrs Justice Knowles grants a forensic examination order against Temur Akhmedov.
Mrs Justice Knowles grants a search order
Trial before Mrs Justice Knowles of Tatiana’s claims against Temur, Counselor and Sobaldo and Borderedge