Antiguan Politician Asot Michael Denies Bribery Allegations Involving UK Billionaire

Antiguan politician Asot Michael has firmly denied allegations of bribery involving UK billionaire property developer Peter Virdee. The accusations claim that Virdee, also known as 'Batman,' bribed Michael from January 2015 to July 2017 to benefit PV Energy Ltd, a company where Virdee serves as a director.

In a press release, Michael clarified that no charges have been laid against him, nor are any likely to be, as confirmed by Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) in correspondence with his UK Solicitors Kingsley Napley PLC. He expressed disappointment with Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who he claims had no information that he was charged or was being charged in this matter.

Michael suggested that Browne used the situation to remove him from the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) ticket, fulfilling his 'personal' desire. He stated, 'So, his claim of feeling vindicated is a total red herring and distraction. I have always faithfully served the people of St. Peter and our beloved Country, at great personal sacrifice and without ill will and I continue to do so. Mr. Browne's efforts to stop me from doing so continue to fail.

Peter Virdee, a UK billionaire property developer, has been involved in various real estate projects and investments. He was sought in connection with a multi-million-pound NCA bribery probe and has been charged along with the firm he oversees. In 2014, Virdee was arrested at Heathrow airport and faced a potential 15-year prison term for alleged fraud and evasion of €125 million ($387.36 million ECD) in VAT. He was given a jail sentence of three years and three months by a court in Frankfurt in December for his role in the VAT fraud.

Why this matters: The allegations of bribery against a high-ranking politician have significant implications for the integrity of the government and the trust of the people. If proven, it could lead to a loss of confidence in the government and potentially even regime change.

Michael's legal troubles date back to October 23, 2017, when he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police at Gatwick Airport in London upon his arrival from Montenegro, where he had attended an international conference on Citizenship by Investment. Following his arrest, an emergency Cabinet meeting was called, and Prime Minister Gaston Browne reportedly revoked Michael's appointment from the Cabinet. The reason for Michael's arrest remains unclear, as there has been no official word on the cause of his detainment.

The situation continues to unfold, with Michael remaining steadfast in his defense, emphasizing his commitment to serving the people of St. Peter and Antigua and Barbuda. He maintains that the allegations are unfounded and politically motivated.

Key Takeaways

• Antiguan politician Asot Michael denies bribery allegations involving UK billionaire Peter Virdee.
• No charges have been laid against Michael, confirmed by Britain's National Crime Agency.
• Michael accuses Prime Minister Gaston Browne of using the situation to remove him from the party ticket.
• Peter Virdee has been charged in a multi-million-pound bribery probe and has a history of fraud and VAT evasion.
• The allegations have significant implications for the government's integrity and the people's trust.