AGPLAW is proud to announce a significant victory in the Limassol District Court, where we successfully obtained an Anton Piller Order on behalf of our clients. This order, a rarely granted ex parte injunction, allowed for the search and seizure of evidence from the premises of the defendant, ensuring the preservation of crucial digital and physical assets, including cryptocurrency wallets and electronic devices.

Understanding the Anton Piller Order

The Anton Piller Order is a powerful legal tool under common law, originating from the English case Anton Piller KG v Manufacturing Processes Ltd (1976). It is an ex parte order that permits the claimant’s legal representatives to enter the premises of a defendant to search for and seize evidence without prior notice. Such an order is granted only in exceptional circumstances, where there is a real risk that the evidence may be destroyed or concealed.

In Cyprus, Anton Piller Orders are issued in line with the country’s civil procedure rules and the principles of equity. The Cyprus courts follow the common law approach and impose stringent requirements before granting such relief. The applicant must demonstrate:

  • A strong prima facie case
  • Evidence of serious potential harm if the order is not granted.
  • A real possibility that the defendant may destroy or conceal evidence.
  • Proportionality, ensuring that the order is not used oppressively.

The Case and the Legal Process

In this case, AGPLAW represented the claimants in a matter involving potential misappropriation of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies. Given the urgency and risk of evidence destruction, we successfully argued for an ex parte order before the Limassol District Court.

Having our case before the court been successful, a supervising lawyer was appointed who, together with our legal team as well as with a team of IT experts, executed the order, gaining access to the defendant’s residence and work premises, where digital and physical evidence was secured. The process included:

Search and seizure of digital devices (computers, phones, cold wallets).

Collection of passwords and private keys for cryptocurrency accounts.

Preservation of key financial and business records.

This legal action was combined with a freezing order, preventing the dissipation of assets exceeding USD 6,000,000, ensuring that our clients’ interests were fully safeguarded.

A Milestone for AGPLAW’s Litigation Team

This achievement reflects the expertise and dedication of our litigation team, spearheaded by Maria Constantinou, Litigation Partner, and Angelos Paphitis, Managing Partner, with Senior Associate Marina Philippou and Trainee Lawyer Katerina Fotopoulou providing critical support.

Securing an Anton Piller Order is a challenging and meticulous process, requiring strategic planning, strong advocacy, and precise legal execution. This success solidifies AGPLAW’s position as a leading litigation firm in Cyprus, adept at handling high-stakes legal disputes involving financial fraud, digital assets, and corporate misconduct.

How AGPLAW Can Assist

Proudly, AGPLAW specializes in obtaining injunctive relief, asset preservation orders, and evidence protection measures for our clients. If you or your business are facing imminent risks of fraud or asset dissipation, our team is ready to provide strategic legal solutions to protect your rights. For more information, contact AGPLAW’s Disputes Department at [email protected] or at [email protected]