Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Saturday that Johann Hesse was called before Cabinet after court filings revealed a US$450,000 introductory commission paid in the United Kingdom in connection with the 2024 sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne said the payment, made to Hesse’s business partner Rufus Gobat, had not been disclosed to the government. He added, however, that there is no evidence Hesse acted illegally.

Hesse appeared before Cabinet on Wednesday, where he explained that the commission was paid to Gobat as part of a private business arrangement and was not linked to public funds. He also stated that no government official, Cabinet member or relative benefited from the transaction.

Further details are expected.