A former Finance Minister in Antigua and Barbuda, Asot Michael, is suing the Bank of Bermuda as well as Bermuda?s Commissioner of Police.

A writ filed by Mr. Michael and the Panamanian-registered offshore company Bellwood Services S.A. against Bank of Bermuda Ltd. and the Commissioner of Police was one of two filed with the Supreme Court this month.

A second writ has been filed in the matter of the Bermuda Constitution Order 1968 and in the matter of the Separation of Powers Doctrine in the matter of Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) (Bermuda) Act 1994, and in the matter of Section 37 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997, in the matter of IHI Department Settlement Company Limited between Asot Michael and Bellwood Services S.A. against the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police.

Both matters are to be heard in Chambers this Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Mr. Michael filed suit against the bank and police commissioner in connection with an investigation of possible money laundering by Mr. Michael, a former top aide to Antigua?s ex-Prime Minister Lester Bird. The Bermuda request for help from Antigua seems to have triggered another probe in Antigua.

Mr. Michael?s lawyer Delroy Duncan told that he took the pre-emptive action in the courts in anticipation that requests have either been made or will shortly be made.

?We certainly know that Mr. Michael has committed no offence of a money laundering nature but as far as what they are accusing him of, we are unsure. All we know is that requests are going to be made,? he said.

Mr. Duncan plans to challenge the right of authorities to violate Mr. Michael?s privacy on several technical points including Antigua and Barbuda?s jurisdiction to request information through its Mutual Assistance Act.

A Bank of Bermuda spokeswoman would only say: ?We are aware of the writ that has been filed against the Bank. As this matter is before the courts we are unable to comment any further.?