IntelBrief: Sanctions Intelligence Digest
1) Executive Summary
- The case concerns a default judgment against Anita Emmett (now Anita Bandak) for a £1,276,033.09 debt guaranteed under a 2021 personal guarantee linked to a £986,250 bridging loan to Corben Mews, part of the Click Group.
- Mrs Bandak seeks to set aside the judgment, citing late awareness of the claim and a realistic defense prospect.
- The loan was secured by a legal charge on London properties and personal guarantees from both Mrs Bandak and her ex-husband Aaron Emmett, now bankrupt.
- Mrs Bandak held significant control and directorship roles in the Click Group companies until mid-2023.
- The facility agreement and guarantees contain strict enforcement and notification provisions, with solicitor certification confirming Mrs Bandak’s informed consent.
2) Sanctions Highlights
- The text references "sanction" and "sanctions" in the context of enforcement rights and legal remedies under the finance documents.
- No direct sanctions regime or external sanctions (e.g., governmental) are imposed, but contractual "sanctions" relate to lender enforcement powers upon default.
- The personal guarantee includes clauses limiting the lender’s obligation to pursue other remedies before enforcing against the guarantor.
- No indication of international or financial sanctions impacting the parties or transaction.
3) Emerging Risks
- Mrs Bandak’s prior control of multiple entities within the Click Group and her personal guarantee expose her to significant financial liability.
- The default judgment and bankruptcy of co-guarantor Aaron Emmett increase recovery pressure on Mrs Bandak.
- Potential reputational risk due to her involvement in multiple directorships and control positions amid financial distress.
- Risk of enforcement actions on the Corben Mews properties and personal assets at 46 St Quintin Avenue.
- Late notification of the claim to Mrs Bandak could raise procedural challenges or grounds for appeal.
4) Geopolitical Impact
- The case mentions Belarus only indirectly via the broader geopolitical context of sanctions but no direct involvement of Belarusian entities or sanctions regimes.
- The transaction and enforcement are UK-centric, involving London properties and English law.
- No evidence of cross-border sanctions or geopolitical interference affecting the litigation or parties.
5) Economic Intelligence
- The loan facility was a bridging finance product aimed at refinancing existing borrowings on London leasehold properties.
- The loan term expired June 2023 with repayment overdue, triggering default and enforcement rights.
- The personal guarantees and legal charges provide secured creditor protections, enhancing Victoria Capital Trust’s recovery prospects.
- Mrs Bandak’s financial exposure exceeds £1.27 million, reflecting accrued interest and enforcement costs.
- The bankruptcy of Aaron Emmett may limit recovery from him, concentrating financial risk on Mrs Bandak.
6) Strategic Recommendations
- Monitor enforcement proceedings closely, especially any asset disposals by Mrs Bandak contrary to guarantee restrictions.
- Assess procedural grounds for setting aside the default judgment based on late notification and potential defense merits.
- Conduct enhanced due diligence on Mrs Bandak’s current financial status and asset holdings, including properties at 46 St Quintin Avenue.
- Prepare for potential insolvency or restructuring scenarios within the Click Group entities linked to Mrs Bandak.
- Maintain awareness of any changes in UK sanctions or regulatory frameworks that could indirectly affect enforcement or asset recovery.
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**Source Notes:**
Case Title: *Sanctions Intelligence Digest*
Link: [https://empyreanprotocol.com/litigation/view/www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Comm/2025/1972.html](https://empyreanprotocol.com/litigation/view/www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Comm/2025/1972.html)