embezzlement in the United States, is the defendant in a $11,000 lawsuit filed at Bermuda Supreme Court by local law firm Mello, Hollis, Jones and Martin.

Mr. Stavisky, 54, is a part owner in the Hamiltonian hotel and condominium complex in Bermuda.

Last month, he was indicted by a grand jury in Massachusetts for allegedly embezzling a total of $150,000 from three people who gave him money to invest in the Hamiltonian.

Four months ago, Mr. Stavisky, who is a lawyer by profession, was disbarred by the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers for misconduct.

He was banned from practising law after he admitted there was sufficient evidence to support allegations that he had misappropriated $450,000 entrusted to him by clients.

Details of the local writ could not be secured on Friday.