A businessman from Kildare, Paul Wright, is facing allegations of misappropriating millions from clients to support an extravagant lifestyle. A lawsuit filed in the US accuses Wright of employing various stalling tactics to hinder legal proceedings. These tactics reportedly include feigning a brain aneurysm, pretending to undergo hand surgery, claiming frequent hospital visits, alleging personal issues such as a friend's affair with his wife, and citing domestic violence, frozen accounts, tax audits, and betrayal by former partners as reasons for payment delays.
The Florida-based company TMCT, led by Cherish Thompson, has initiated legal action against Wright and his Dublin firms, Eterna Private Clients Europe and Wright Private Office, seeking at least $221,000 owed to her business. TMCT argues that the case involves extensive fraud perpetrated by Wright and his associated companies over several years.
Wright, a UK national residing in Maynooth, denies these accusations, asserting that the lawsuit is unrelated to his current firms and stems from a disgruntled former contractor of a UK company now in administration. His legal team is attempting to have the US case dismissed, arguing lack of jurisdiction, and is seeking to pause the discovery process until a decision is made.
TMCT has urged the court to proceed with the discovery process, presenting evidence of Wright's attempts to obscure his digital footprint and delay creditor actions. They have submitted bank statements showing significant financial activity in Eterna Private Clients Europe's account, suggesting misuse of funds for personal expenses. TMCT contends that halting the discovery would only enable Wright's alleged obstructive behavior, causing further harm to the plaintiff.