More than £1.6 million remains outstanding after a British shop owner accused Ekaterina Barrett, 69, of fraud, a debt accrued over eight years ago. Bridget Hutchcroft, owner of Pandora Dress Agency in Knightsbridge, London, is now pursuing legal action to force the sale of a property Barrett is believed to own in Israel, according to reports.
Hutchcroft’s pursuit of Barrett began with a simple favour – dog-sitting – in 2017. Barrett, a frequent client at Pandora Dress Agency, was known for her flamboyant designer clothes, Italian greyhounds, and a “bossy” demeanor, according to Sona Patel, the shop manager. The relationship quickly evolved, and with it, a substantial debt.
Barrett was a familiar figure in Mayfair and Monaco, known for gambling in casinos and spending lavishly in high-complete boutiques. She was described by Hutchcroft as someone who could “get you to do things you would never do,” and likened to “a snake.” Multiple creditors are now seeking repayment from Barrett, including a former friend who successfully sued her in Liechtenstein for £2.7 million ($3.6 million).
Efforts to recover the funds have extended across multiple jurisdictions, including Lichtenstein, Austria, Monaco, and Israel, but the debt remains unpaid. Barrett’s “glamorous life appears to be unravelling,” according to recent reports.
A journalist investigating the case travelled to Monte Carlo to attempt to question Barrett. She was observed exiting an apartment building just off the seafront, in a 10-storey block with mirrored windows, located in the area known as the Golden Square, near the Monte Carlo Casino. Barrett, dressed in white lace and a large sunhat, was accompanied by a woman in uniform. She reportedly refused an interview and threatened to call the police.
When presented with a list of allegations via email, Barrett responded, stating that the information was based on “false and misleading information provided by hostile or malicious parties whose objective is to damage my reputation.” She further questioned the motivations behind the publication, citing concerns about fairness, accuracy, and responsible journalism.
Back in London, Hutchcroft remains resolute in her efforts to recover her money. “I think somewhere along the line she has got a pot of gold and she knows never must she talk about it,” Hutchcroft said. “I can’t believe she’s ran herself to the wire and that she’s got nothing but what’s in her pockets.”
Vicky Baker investigated this story for her podcast, Fraudacious, a Novel production in association with BBC Studios.
