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Niki is of counsel in our litigation and arbitration team.
He has over 30 years of legal experience. Niki advises on all aspects of BVI commercial litigation and dispute resolution, including:- contract and shareholder disputes
- asset tracing and recovery
- freezing orders
- third party disclosure orders
- cross-border insolvency
Recent recognition
Me in a minute
Although my family was originally from Greece, I was born and educated in the UK. I argued a lot so I decided to become a lawyer. Also, as my favourite sport was fencing (I represented GB and was Captain of the England team until 2002), I thought I would enjoy the cut and thrust of litigation.
I trained and practised as a lawyer in London for 30 years before moving in 2007 to the BVI, where the law is English based. I represent professionals and individuals with business interests in high value cases before the BVI Commercial Court, and in appeals to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal and the Privy Council (part of the Supreme Court) in London.
When I have some spare time, I enjoy motor-boating and scuba diving in warm climates.
Track record
Russian industrialist
Acting for a Russian industrialist in defence of claim for enforcement of US$30m Russian default judgment and successful appeal to ECSC Court of Appeal and in UK Privy Council.
Liquidators of hedge funds
Acting for BVI court-appointed liquidators of multiple hedge funds, leading cross-border team, seeking recognition and recovery of assets in Hong Kong, Switzerland, Monaco, Channel Islands, Bahamas and US.
Ponzi scheme
Acting as Special Counsel to US Bankruptcy Court appointed trustee in claims for recovery of $3bn proceeds from fraudulent Ponzi scheme.
Beneficiary claims
Acting for a Cyprus-based trustee in defence of beneficiary claims of $150m in the BVI Commercial Court.
Bernard Madoff's estate
Acting as Special Counsel to a SEC/US Bankruptcy Court appointed SIPA Trustee (Irving Picard) of Bernard Madoff's estate in cross-border insolvency, recognition and claims for recovery in excess of $50bn.
Freezing orders
Acting for a high-net-worth individual in enforcement of English Commercial Court and Jersey Royal Court freezing orders and judgment in excess of $40m.
Guernsey trustees of discretionary trusts
Acting for Guernsey trustees of discretionary trusts in litigation arising from the Icelandic bank collapse and claims for recovery in excess of £640m.
Ukrainian joint stock company
Acting for a Ukrainian joint stock company in Norwich Pharmacal application for disclosure against BVI registered agent, seeking recovery of $4m.
Insight
Admissions
England and Wales, 1980 (currently non-practising)
British Virgin Islands, 2008
Education
Kings School Canterbury
University College London, LLB (Hons)
Languages
- English
Memberships
BVI Bar Association
Recovery & Insolvency Specialists Association (BVI)
Key dates
- Year joined: 2012
- Year became partner: 2014