Multi-Millionaire Port Executive Ordered to Pay £12.5 Million in Divorce Settlement After Court Finds He Hid Wealth

A dramatic divorce case involving a multi-millionaire shipping port executive, Andrew Williams, 57, has ended with a High Court judge ordering him to pay his ex-wife £12.5 million (€15 million) after he was found guilty of misleading the court about his true wealth. The case, filled with luxury cars, grand estates, and secretive financial maneuvers, has captured public attention due to its twists and Mr. Williams' attempt to hide millions from his former wife, Abigail, 59.

A Life of Luxury and Deception

Mr. Williams, who operates his shipping business in Neath, South Wales, was found to have been "completely dishonest" during the divorce proceedings. Despite presenting himself as "Sir Andrew"—a title he does not hold—he flaunted his wealth by driving a Ferrari and claiming close ties with Monaco royalty, including Prince Albert.

During the proceedings, Williams claimed that his wealth had drastically diminished due to failed investments and fraud. However, the court uncovered substantial evidence proving otherwise. In fact, just a year before his ex-wife filed for divorce, Williams transferred £6 million to a Monaco account, all while posing with a brand-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at £750,000 on Instagram with the caption, "It's about time I treated myself."

Court Unmoved by False Claims

Mr. Justice Moor, who presided over the case, was unimpressed by Mr. Williams' attempt to paint himself as a victim of fraud. The court discovered that Williams had been diverting money to third parties and concealing assets from his ex-wife. Despite Williams' absence from the divorce hearings and his claims of remorse, the judge found his efforts to mislead the court "disgraceful" and referred to his testimony as "a farrago of lies."

Mr. Justice Moor's final ruling emphasized that Williams had assets amounting to approximately £50 million, half of which were considered matrimonial assets. This entitled Mrs. Williams to £12.5 million. "I have determined that the husband is entirely dishonest," said Mr. Justice Moor. "He has made every effort to deceive the court."

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Lavish Lifestyle, Uncertain Future

Before their separation, the couple, who share two children and three grandchildren, enjoyed a life of extravagant wealth. They lived on a 120-acre estate near Cardiff, owned a Marbella beachfront home, and frequently traveled to Monaco, often using helicopter services from Nice airport. Mr. Williams, who had worked his way up from laborer to millionaire, owned designer watches worth £2 million, a Bentley convertible, and a yacht. Mrs. Williams was gifted £10,000 a month for personal expenses, and her collection of designer handbags and jewelry was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Despite the opulence, Mrs. Williams testified that she was financially dependent on her husband, having left her job to care for their children. She also accused her husband of denying her access to their wealth, including locking away her jewelry in a safe to which only he held the key.

"A Bizarre Game of Cat and Mouse"

David Lister, Mrs. Williams' solicitor from the law firm Vardags, described the case as “a bizarre game of cat and mouse,” noting that the legal team had to use every tool at their disposal to ensure Mr. Williams met his responsibilities. He added, "We had to take off the gloves and go all in to make sure Mr. Williams couldn't evade his obligations."

The judge's final decision ensures that Mrs. Williams will receive half of the couple’s matrimonial assets, amounting to £12.5 million, a figure Mr. Justice Moor believes will "adequately address her reasonable needs."

Andrew Williams, 57,

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The case of Andrew and Abigail Williams serves as a reminder that even in high-profile divorce cases, attempts to hide assets are often exposed. Mr. Williams' wealth, luxury lifestyle, and his efforts to deceive the court ultimately failed, leaving him to face the consequences of his dishonesty. With a court hearing that ended in a £12.5 million payout, this divorce settlement will likely stand as one of the most notable financial rulings in recent years.