Griffin Underwriting Ltd v Varouxakis [2021] EWHC 226 (Comm) (05 February 2021)

Griffin Underwriting Ltd v Varouxakis [2021] EWHC 226 (Comm) (05 February 2021)

The court found that Griffin had obtained an unsatisfied judgment and judgment on liability against Mr Varouxakis, who had persistently evaded compliance, failed to pay, and engaged in conduct evidencing a real risk of dissipation of assets. The requirements for a post-judgment worldwide freezing order were satisfied, and it was just and convenient to grant the relief. Alternative service was justified due to the defendant's evasiveness.

Citation
[2021] EWHC 226 (Comm)
Parties
Claimant: Griffin Underwriting Limited; Defendant: Ion G. Varouxakis
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 February 2021
Procedural Posture
Commercial Court Application for Post Judgment Relief / Application for Worldwide Post Judgment Freezing Order
Outcome
Worldwide post-judgment freezing order granted in favour of Griffin Underwriting Limited against Ion G. Varouxakis.
Legal Topics
Freezing Injunctions, Post Judgment Relief, Risk of Asset Dissipation, Alternative Service, Enforcement of Foreign Judgments
Civil Procedure Commercial Law Enforcement of Judgments Freezing Injunctions Post Judgment Relief Risk of Asset Dissipation Alternative Service Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 5 Authorities cited 10 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 6
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Griffin Underwriting Limited

Claimant

Ion G. Varouxakis

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Commercial Court Application for Post Judgment Relief / Application for Worldwide Post Judgment Freezing Order

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a worldwide post-judgment freezing order should be granted against the defendant
  2. 2 Whether there is a real risk of dissipation of assets by the defendant
  3. 3 Whether alternative service of the order should be permitted

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that Griffin had obtained an unsatisfied judgment and judgment on liability against Mr Varouxakis, who had persistently evaded compliance, failed to pay, and engaged in conduct evidencing a real risk of dissipation of assets. The requirements for a post-judgment worldwide freezing order were satisfied, and it was just and convenient to grant the relief. Alternative service was justified due to the defendant's evasiveness.

Court Disposition

Worldwide post-judgment freezing order granted in favour of Griffin Underwriting Limited against Ion G. Varouxakis.

Orders

  • Worldwide freezing order in the terms of the draft order as amended granted against the defendant.
  • Permission granted for alternative service of the order and supporting evidence by registered post and email to the defendant's Greek lawyer.