Top Ten Bits:
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False Promises: Ager-Hanssen assured Samalova that Custos could help with her divorce proceedings and secure her prenuptial agreement but failed to deliver on these promises.
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Misleading Progress Reports: Ager-Hanssen allegedly gave the impression that the divorce proceedings were progressing when no substantial actions were being taken.
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Failure to File Divorce Petition: Despite promising to ensure that the divorce petition was filed in the English courts, Custos did not follow through.
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Halt of Legal Work: Custos instructed Harbottle Lewis LLP to pause all work shortly after proceedings were issued, stalling any progress.
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Inadequate Legal Support: The company promised to appoint appropriate legal counsel for Samalova but failed to provide the necessary legal assistance.
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Asset Analysis Failure: Custos did not analyze Shamalov's European assets, including offshore accounts and property held directly and through trusts, as promised.
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Misrepresentation of Actions: Ager-Hanssen allegedly misled Samalova by indicating that her husband had been personally informed about the proceedings when he had not.
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Contingency Fee Misrepresentation: The agreement between Custos and Samalova was a damages-based contingency fee arrangement, which is not permitted in family proceedings under English law.
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Financial Loss: Samalova paid £1.1 million to Custos for services that were not rendered, resulting in significant financial loss.
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Unenforceable Agreement: The agreement with Custos was unenforceable under English law due to its nature as a damages-based agreement, which misled Samalova about the legal viability of their contract.
Summary
LONDON, May 30, 2024 - In a shocking revelation that shakes the foundations of legal and financial integrity, Janna Samalova, the ex-wife of Vladimir Putin’s former son-in-law, has unleashed a legal storm against Custos Group Ltd., a venture capital firm, for an alleged £1.1 million fraud. The lawsuit, filed in the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, accuses the company of failing to support her during her contentious divorce proceedings and a $60 million prenuptial agreement.
The Accusations Samalova’s claim paints a damning picture of Christen Ager-Hanssen, Custos Group's director and a Norwegian internet entrepreneur. According to the court filing, Ager-Hanssen exploited her vulnerable state, promising comprehensive legal assistance and asset tracking, but delivered nothing but deceit.
Broken Promises In June 2018, Samalova married Kirill Shamalov, a prominent Russian businessman previously wed to Putin’s youngest daughter, Katerina Tikhonova. Following their separation in June 2021, Samalova sought legal recourse in London. Enter Ager-Hanssen, who assured her that Custos could not only handle her divorce proceedings but also secure her substantial prenuptial agreement.
False Assurances The filing reveals that Ager-Hanssen repeatedly misled Samalova about the progress of her case. Despite his assurances, no divorce petition was ever filed in the English courts. Instead, Ager-Hanssen fabricated stories of ongoing administrative processes and personal notifications to Shamalov that never occurred.
A Conspiracy Unfolds Custos Group's collaboration with Harbottle Lewis LLP, a respected UK law firm, was similarly a facade. Shortly after initiating proceedings, the firm was mysteriously instructed to halt all activities, leaving Samalova stranded. Contrary to Ager-Hanssen’s promises, no tangible legal action was taken, and critical analyses of Shamalov’s European assets were never conducted.
Legal Loopholes Compounding the deception, Samalova argues that her agreement with Custos was an unenforceable contingency fee arrangement, illegal under English law for family proceedings. This so-called “damages-based agreement” left her £1.1 million poorer, with nothing to show for it.
A Bitter Conclusion Left to fend for herself, Samalova eventually secured her divorce independently in December 2022, after Shamalov initiated proceedings she did not contest. Her lawsuit demands the return of the funds paid under what she describes as a “mistake of law.”
A Call for Justice This case, Janna Samalova v. Custos Group Ltd., case number KB-2024-000438, is more than a financial dispute. It exposes the dark underbelly of legal manipulation and broken promises, demanding scrutiny and justice.
Representatives for both parties have yet to comment. Samalova is represented by Sophia Hurst of Essex Court Chambers, instructed by Gherson Solicitors LLP, while Custos is defended by Grosvenor Law.
As the legal battle unfolds, this high-profile case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities individuals face within the labyrinth of legal and financial dealings.