In 2015, Gowling WLG advised American Express on a complex piece of litigation where a customer of American Express alleged that purchases of jewellery totalling nearly $700,000 had been made by jewellery merchants in Riyadh who were involved in a scheme to defraud him and had forged his signature in order to acquire the items.
Litigation partner Greg Standing advised American Express, assisted by senior associate Katie Molloy.
The challenging case, which was heard in the Royal Courts of Justice, included allegations of threat, with the lead witness refusing to travel from Saudi Arabia to give evidence due to fear of the defendant. Other witnesses disclaimed ever having provided evidence.
Despite providing video-link arrangements for the witnesses to provide evidence from Saudi Arabia, they did not attend and American Express’s case was in danger.
Greg Standing and Ali Tabari of St Philips Chambers served hearsay notices as soon as practicable and filed a witness statement putting the full facts before the court. Their swift action persuaded the court to continue with the trial, despite the defendant then pleading ill health, and American Express was eventually awarded $1m-plus and indemnity costs.
Mrs Justice Whipple praised the team’s “clear and helpful submissions” in assisting the case to be heard.
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