Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he is prepared to retain “the most expensive lawyers in the world” to pursue further legal action following a U.S. court ruling in his favour in the Alfa Nero discovery appeal case, declaring that any future costs imposed on his opponents “must hurt them.”

Speaking toward the end of a recent broadcast, Browne warned that if his accusers attempt to continue legal action, he would escalate the matter aggressively. “If they go any further… I’m going to get perhaps the most expensive lawyers I can get in the world to go after them, because I want to make sure… that when they pay the cost, it must hurt them,” he said.

The prime minister’s comments followed a U.S. court decision that effectively ended the discovery proceedings against him, with Browne asserting that the matter is now closed and unlikely to be appealed further.

Browne said the case stemmed from allegations that he and the government engaged in corrupt activities linked to the sale of the Alfa Nero yacht, including claims involving Venezuelan oil and gold transactions. He maintained that those accusations were unfounded and part of what he described as a “fishing expedition” by his accusers.

According to Browne, the court found no evidence of wrongdoing after financial records were examined, leading to the quashing of a subpoena and the dismissal of the appeal. He argued that the outcome amounts to full vindication, stating that investigators failed to uncover any improper transactions despite access to banking information.

He also indicated that steps are being taken to recover legal costs incurred by the government in defending the matter, noting that public funds were used because he was acting in his official capacity. Browne said efforts are underway to reclaim “a few hundred thousand dollars” spent on legal fees.

In addition, Browne disclosed that he has filed independent legal action seeking US$1 million in damages against U.S. attorney Martin DeLuca and his law firm, alleging reputational harm arising from the case.

The prime minister described the ruling as confirmation that allegations of corruption and financial misconduct were baseless, adding that the court’s findings reinforce his longstanding position that no laws were violated and no public funds were misappropriated.