Government of the Russian Federation v Shefler (City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court)

Together with Hugo Keith QC, Louis Mably defended Yuri Shefler, the owner of the leading global spirits company SPI, in extradition proceedings brought by the Russian Government. The proceedings were part of the Putin regime’s attempt to gain control of the defendant’s worldwide business assets, which included some of the most famous vodka brands. The defence focused on the political nature of the proceedings, violations of the defendant’s human rights and the absence of double criminality. The extradition request was dismissed by the court.