Introduction to Ekaterina Barrett
Ekaterina Barrett was a familiar figure in Mayfair and Monaco, two of Europe's most exclusive locations.
The apparent multi-millionaire was known for her love of high fashion, often seen wearing flamboyant designer clothing while walking her Italian greyhounds.
She frequented casinos and spent lavishly in luxury boutiques. However, she was also described as someone who could "get you to do things you would never do," according to British shop owner Bridget Hutchcroft.
Hutchcroft, who claims she is owed over £1.6 million ($2.1 million) by Barrett, is among many former friends and associates accusing the 69-year-old of fraudulent behavior.
Despite engaging lawyers to pursue Barrett across Liechtenstein, Austria, Monaco, and Israel over eight years, the debt remains unpaid.
Barrett's glamorous lifestyle now appears to be unraveling.
The Beginning of the Financial Dispute
For Bridget Hutchcroft, the financial dispute began with a simple favor: dog-sitting.
Hutchcroft operates Pandora Dress Agency, a second-hand designer clothes shop in Knightsbridge, London. The shop is well-regarded and unpretentious, featuring Chanel and Dior handbags suspended from the ceiling and shelves filled with crystal-embellished heels.
Hutchcroft, aged 66, took over the business in the late 1980s and worked hard to make it successful. In 2017, Barrett was an occasional client with whom Hutchcroft had minimal interaction.
Barrett was described by the shop manager, Sona Patel, as "very bossy," with a "pay-attention-to-me, deal-with-me type of attitude."
When they first met properly, Hutchcroft thought Barrett appeared wealthy but not unusual for the area.
One summer day, Hutchcroft noticed Barrett struggling to park her Bentley on a narrow side street, as Barrett usually had a driver.
Barrett entered the shop visibly flustered and explained she needed someone to look after her dogs while she went to Harrods.
Shortly after, Barrett invited Hutchcroft to her home, promising to send her car.
Growing Relationship and Initial Loan Requests
Over the following months, Hutchcroft made regular visits to Barrett's Mayfair apartment to care for the dogs.
Walking the dogs in nearby Hyde Park provided Hutchcroft with "good therapy," especially as she was recovering from a breakdown and had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
She began spending more time with Barrett, describing the relationship as "a bit looser than a friendship - it was more intrigue." Barrett seemed to enjoy playing the role of a VIP in fashion houses and members' clubs.
"It was like being at the theatre - I wanted to know what would happen next."
Three months after their initial meeting, the situation changed unexpectedly.
Hutchcroft found Barrett sobbing uncontrollably, explaining that the man managing her business affairs had suddenly died.
Barrett said she needed a short-term loan due to a temporary cash flow problem.
Initially willing to help, Hutchcroft says the loan requests became frequent and persistent, with Barrett begging and pleading. This occurred while Hutchcroft was experiencing episodes of mania and depression.
"She creates this havoc around you,"Hutchcroft recalls, noting her phone rang constantly.
"So in the end you just say, 'OK, OK, I'll help you'. I never even thought she might not give it back."
The loans accumulated to over £1 million ($1.3 million), money Hutchcroft had available after selling a property and had intended to use for her grandson's education, tax payments, and retirement.
Only after intervention from friends and as her mental health stabilized did Hutchcroft realize the extent of the money transferred.
She reported the matter to the police but was informed it was a civil issue and would not be investigated.
Consequently, she engaged a lawyer and initiated legal action.
"I worked for everything I've got since the age of 15,"says Hutchcroft, who grew up in a working-class family in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.
"So I'm not gonna let some rich woman take my money off me."
Hutchcroft believes Barrett exploited her mental health vulnerabilities to manipulate her into handing over the money.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement Attempts
Barrett responded with a countersuit, claiming Hutchcroft owed her money and labeling the allegations as "vexatious." In court documents, Barrett stated she was unaware of the extent of Hutchcroft's mental health issues at the time.
Years of legal exchanges followed until the parties reached an out-of-court settlement in 2021, four years after their initial meeting.
Barrett did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to pay Hutchcroft £1 million plus interest, with funds to be raised through the sale of her London flat.
When Barrett failed to make payments, Hutchcroft returned to the High Court, which issued a final judgment in 2022, increasing the debt to £1.6 million, including interest.
Hutchcroft received a single payment of £100,000, with no further payments made.
Shortly thereafter, Barrett's luxury Mayfair apartment was repossessed due to mortgage default.
"I think she thought she would outrun me,"says Hutchcroft.
"But I am not the type to give up."
Recent Court Appearances and Convictions
In July 2024, the two women appeared in London's High Court once again. Barrett arrived wearing a designer dress with a hood she dramatically pulled up and down during proceedings.
Hutchcroft was hopeful this hearing would conclude their legal disputes.
"I think she's gonna be given a prison sentence,"she said.
Barrett faced new allegations of forgery and perjury. The judge sentenced her to a four-month suspended sentence for lying under oath about her assets and submitting falsified documents, including forging Hutchcroft's signature.
She was also ordered to pay a £100,000 fine, due by February 2025, which remains unpaid.
In March of the previous year, Barrett faced another court case in Monaco.
She was charged with stealing a pair of Balenciaga boots from a luxury store in Monte Carlo in December 2024.
The prosecution presented CCTV footage showing Barrett entering fitting rooms with boots costing over €1,000 (£860; $1,150), then leaving stating they did not fit.
Barrett's bag was concealed with her scarf upon leaving, and staff reported the boots were not found in the fitting room.
Her lawyer, Clyde Billard, argued for full acquittal, citing lack of proof and Barrett's ability to afford the boots, describing her as a frequent client of Monaco luxury stores.
Barrett also faced a charge of stealing €1,550 (£1,340; $1,790) from an acquaintance's bag at the five-star Hotel Metropole.
She denied this theft, with her lawyer stating she had permission to take the money. The bag's owner, a personal stylist, disputed this claim.
Barrett was found guilty of both offenses and fined €5,000 (£4,315; $5,760). She is appealing the convictions.
"It's just unbelievable,"Hutchcroft said.
"She must get something out of it. Adrenaline?"
Following another court hearing, Barrett faces eviction from her multi-million-pound Monaco apartment due to mortgage arrears.
The court ordered the property to be seized and sold at auction to cover the debt.
Multiple creditors are pursuing Barrett for unpaid debts, including a former friend who successfully sued her in Liechtenstein for £2.7 million ($3.6 million).
Attempted Contact and Barrett's Response
With numerous court cases and allegations, an attempt was made to contact Barrett in Monte Carlo for comment.
Her apartment, located just off the seafront in a 10-storey building with mirrored windows reflecting sunlight, is near the Monte Carlo Casino, a major attraction featuring rows of neon Lamborghinis.
Barrett is known as a gambler or former gambler, described as "notorious" in Mayfair's private casinos by various casino workers.
She was observed emerging from her apartment dressed in white lace and a large sunhat, accompanied by a woman in a black uniform.
Barrett refused interviews and threatened to call the police.
When presented with a detailed 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."
Current Status and Outlook
Back in London, more than eight years after their first meeting, Hutchcroft remains determined to recover some of her money.
She is attempting to force the sale of a property Barrett is believed to own in Israel.
It is unclear whether Barrett is financially depleted or simply refusing to pay.
"I think somewhere along the line she has got a pot of gold and she knows never must she talk about it,"Hutchcroft speculates.
"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.
