The government of Antigua and Barbuda is considering legal action against individuals it accuses of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign surrounding the sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht.

During Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed that the Cabinet is consulting legal counsel on possible next steps, following a U.S. federal court ruling that quashed subpoenas related to the controversial sale.

“The government is resolute in its position that those who defame government, country, and government officials will receive necessary reactions,” Merchant said. “They must not go unpunished.”

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday vacated all subpoenas initiated by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, the daughter of the yacht’s former sanctioned Russian owner, and ordered the destruction of any evidence collected.

Government officials say the legal challenge was supported by unnamed members of the opposition in Antigua and Barbuda and amounted to a “smear campaign” targeting Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his family, and senior public servants.

Although the Alfa Nero case was briefly discussed at this week’s Cabinet meeting, Merchant said the administration has long viewed the matter as “a dead issue.” Still, the financial toll was significant, with the government reporting legal expenses exceeding US$1 million.

Merchant emphasized the broader reputational harm inflicted by the case, saying the defamation affected not only politicians but “all citizens of Antigua and Barbuda” in the international arena.

He added that the government will continue efforts to protect its image and defend decisions made in what it says are the sovereign interests of the country.

Legal proceedings in Antigua’s High Court related to the Alfa Nero matter are still pending.