Summary

The Claimant, East-West United Bank S.A. ("the Bank"), is a bank incorporated in Luxembourg. The Bank is owned by Sistema, a Russian conglomerate which was (at times material to these proceedings) reputedly ultimately owned by Vladimir Evtushenkov. The First Defendant, who has been debarred from defending these proceedings, is Vladimir Gusinski. Mr Gusinski is a Russian businessman and the ultimate beneficial owner of the New Media Group ("the Group"). The New Media Group produced Free-To-Air television content for the Russian speaking market. GSC Solicitors LLP ("GSC") was a firm of solicitors in London until its merger with another law firm on 1 April 2025 to become Seddons GSC LLP. During times material to this case it acted for Mr Gusinski and various New Media Group companies. Barry Samuels was a solicitor and consultant of GSC, with conduct of GSC's representation of Mr Gusinski and his companies. Mr Samuels retired from practice at the time of the merger in April 2025.

... In February 2018 the Bank filed a request for arbitration in London which was ultimately pursued against five of the guarantor companies. ... The Bank alleges that GSC and Mr Samuels joined the Conspiracy by January 2018 or some later date and claims that they are liable in unlawful means conspiracy....