Ekaterina Barrett became a familiar figure in exclusive circles, often seen in Mayfair and Monaco. This apparent multi-millionaire cultivated an image of high fashion, favoring flamboyant designer attire while walking her Italian greyhounds. Her lifestyle included frequenting casinos and making substantial purchases at high-end boutiques. However, those who knew her also describe a more manipulative side. British shop owner Bridget Hutchcroft, who is owed over £1.6 million by Barrett, characterized her as someone who could “get you to do things you would never do,” likening her to “a snake.”
Now, after eight years, Hutchcroft is among several former associates and friends who accuse the 69-year-old of fraud. Legal pursuit has extended to Liechtenstein, Austria, Monaco, and Israel, yet the debt remains unsettled. Barrett’s once glamorous life appears to be facing significant challenges.
The Genesis of a Financial Dispute
For Bridget Hutchcroft, the financial entanglement began with what seemed like a simple act of kindness: dog-sitting. Hutchcroft manages Pandora Dress Agency, a respected second-hand designer clothing boutique in Knightsbridge, London. The shop, filled with a curated selection of items from brands like Chanel and Dior, was a testament to Hutchcroft’s hard work since taking over in the late 1980s.
In 2017, Barrett was an infrequent customer, and her interactions with Hutchcroft were minimal. The shop manager, Sona Patel, described Barrett as “very bossy,” possessing an attitude of “pay-attention-to-me, deal-with-me.” When they first met extensively, Hutchcroft perceived Barrett as wealthy, a common sight for that affluent area.
One summer day, Hutchcroft observed Barrett struggling to park her Bentley on a narrow street, a task usually handled by a driver. Barrett then entered the shop, appearing flustered. She explained a need for someone to care for her dogs while she visited Harrods.
Hutchcroft offered her assistance. This simple favor led to an invitation from Barrett: “You must come to my house. I will send my car.”
An Entanglement of Friendship and Favors
Over the subsequent months, Hutchcroft began making regular visits to Barrett’s Mayfair apartment to attend to the dogs. Walking them in nearby Hyde Park provided what Hutchcroft described as “good therapy.” At the time, she was recovering from a personal breakdown and had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Her involvement with Barrett deepened, leading to increased time spent together. Hutchcroft described their connection as “looser than a friendship, it was more intrigue.” She observed Barrett’s enjoyment of her apparent VIP status within fashion houses and members’ clubs. For Hutchcroft, it felt like “being at the theatre – I wanted to know what would happen next.”
The Shift to Financial Demands
Approximately three months after their initial meeting, the dynamic shifted. Hutchcroft recounted finding Barrett in distress, sobbing uncontrollably and claiming the death of her business affairs manager. According to Hutchcroft, Barrett explained a need for a short-term loan due to a temporary cash flow issue.
Initially willing to help, Hutchcroft found herself facing a continuous stream of requests. These escalated into persistent begging and pleading, occurring during a period when Hutchcroft was experiencing significant mood swings between mania and depression. “She creates this havoc around you,” Hutchcroft stated, recalling her phone constantly ringing. This pressure eventually led her to acquiesce: “So in the end you just say, ‘OK, OK, I’ll help you.’ I never even thought she might not give it back.”
The Full Extent of the Debt
The cumulative loans amounted to over £1 million ($1.3 million). Hutchcroft claims this money originated from a property sale and was earmarked for her grandson’s education, a tax payment, and her retirement. It was only after intervention from friends, and as her mental health began to stabilize, that she fully grasped the magnitude of the funds she had transferred.
Hutchcroft approached the police, but was informed that the matter was civil and they would not investigate. Consequently, she retained a lawyer and initiated legal proceedings. “I worked for everything I’ve got since the age of 15,” Hutchcroft stated, reflecting her working-class upbringing. “So I’m not gonna let some rich woman take my money off me.”
Hutchcroft now believes Barrett exploited her mental health issues to manipulate her into parting with her savings, unaware of the situation’s eventual scope.
Legal Battles and a Protracted Settlement
Barrett responded by filing a counterclaim, asserting that Hutchcroft actually owed her money and labeling the allegations as “vexatious.” In her legal filings, she stated she was unaware of the extent of Hutchcroft’s mental health challenges at the time. This led to years of legal exchanges, culminating in an out-of-court settlement in 2021, four years after they first met.
While Barrett did not admit liability, she agreed to pay Hutchcroft £1 million plus interest, with the funds to be raised from the sale of her London property. When Barrett failed to uphold this agreement, Hutchcroft returned to the High Court. A final judgment was issued in 2022, increasing the debt to £1.6 million, including accrued interest.
Hutchcroft received a single payment of £100,000; no further funds were disbursed. Shortly thereafter, Barrett’s luxury Mayfair apartment was repossessed due to missed mortgage payments. “I think she thought she would outrun me,” Hutchcroft commented, “But I am not the type to give up.”
New Allegations and Court Appearances
In July 2024, the two women found themselves in London’s High Court once more. Ekaterina Barrett attended, wearing a designer dress with a hood she frequently adjusted. Hutchcroft expressed optimism, hoping this hearing might conclude their legal conflict and anticipating a potential prison sentence for Barrett.
Barrett was present to address new allegations of forgery and perjury. The judge imposed a four-month suspended sentence for lying under oath about her assets and submitting falsified documents, including a forgery of Hutchcroft’s signature. She was also fined £100,000, with a payment deadline of February 2025, which remains outstanding.
Legal Troubles in Monaco
In March of the previous year, a tip-off indicated Barrett was involved in another court case in Monaco. She faced charges for stealing a pair of Balenciaga boots from a luxury store in Monte Carlo in December 2024. Prosecutors presented CCTV footage showing her entering fitting rooms with boots valued over €1,000, only to emerge claiming they did not fit.
Barrett’s bag was concealed with a scarf as she departed the shop, and staff reported the boots were not found in the fitting room. Her lawyer, Clyde Billard, argued for acquittal, citing a lack of proof and stating Barrett could afford the purchase, describing her as a significant client of Monaco’s luxury establishments.
A second charge involved the alleged theft of €1,550 from an acquaintance’s bag at the five-star Hotel Metropole. Barrett denied this charge, and her lawyer maintained she had permission to take the money. The bag’s owner, a personal stylist, contradicted this claim.
Barrett was convicted of both criminal offenses and fined €5,000. She is currently appealing these convictions.
Ongoing Financial Pressure
Following another court hearing, Barrett faces eviction from her long-term residence in Monaco, a multi-million-pound apartment for which she has failed to pay the mortgage. The court ruled that the property will be seized and sold at auction to satisfy the debt. Numerous creditors are now pursuing Barrett for unpaid debts, including a former friend who successfully sued her in Liechtenstein for £2.7 million ($3.6 million).
An Attempted Encounter
Given the multitude of court cases and accusations, an attempt was made to contact Barrett in Monte Carlo for comment. Her apartment, situated near the seafront in a 10-story building, did not project an overtly luxurious appearance from the exterior. It is located within the Golden Square, close to the Monte Carlo Casino, an area known for its affluence, with rows of high-end sports cars parked nearby.
Barrett has a reputation as a gambler, or former gambler, described as “notorious” in Mayfair’s private casinos by various casino workers. She was first observed emerging from the apartment complex, dressed in white lace and a wide sunhat, accompanied by a woman who appeared to be in uniform. Barrett declined to be interviewed, stating, “No interviews,” and threatened to contact the police.
When presented with a comprehensive list of allegations via email, Barrett responded: “The information gathered appears to rely on false and misleading information provided by hostile or malicious parties whose objective is to damage my reputation. The motivations behind this publication raise serious concerns about fairness, accuracy, and responsible journalism.”
The Continued Pursuit of Justice
Back in London, over eight years since their initial meeting, Hutchcroft remains resolute in her efforts to recover a portion of her money. Her current strategy involves attempting to force the sale of a property Barrett is believed to own in Israel.
The source of Barrett’s funds, or her refusal to pay, remains unclear. “I think somewhere along the line she has got a pot of gold and she knows never must she talk about it,” Hutchcroft speculated. “I can’t believe she’s ran herself to the wire and that she’s got nothing but what’s in her pockets.”
This story was investigated by Vicky Baker for her podcast, Fraudacious, a Novel production in association with BBC Studios.