Appeals & Motions List released on:March 21, 2023

Appellees, Bleuler, a citizen of Switzerland and a partner in a Swiss wealth-management firm, and Murta, a citizen of Portugal and Switzerland and an employee of a different Swiss wealth management firm were indicted in connection to an alleged international bribery scheme between U.S.-based businesses and Venezuelan officials.

Both parties moved for judgment on the pleadings in plaintiff's breach of contract and declaratory judgment action for coverage under its excess insurance policies from defendant in pollution action and court found the exception to the pollution exclusion in the policies created coverage for the underlying lawsuits and defendant owed plaintiff a duty to defend. Motion granted, motion denied.

Appellee Bleuler was indicted for engaging in an international bribery scheme wherein U.S.-based businesses paid bribes to Venezuelan officials for priority payment of invoices and other favorable treatment from Venezuela's state-owned energy company.