Erin Giumba, a 28-year-old estate agent from London, is facing significant financial repercussions following a court ruling concerning her sale of a Lamborghini Urus, worth £260,000, that belonged to her ex-boyfriend, Ernest Siow, a successful entrepreneur. The case unfolded in the Mayor’s and City County Court, revealing a story of a rapidly intense romance that ended in a bitter legal dispute.

The couple initially crossed paths in April 2022 while vacationing in Miami, where their relationship blossomed quickly. Giumba quit her job shortly after they began dating, embracing a lavish lifestyle filled with parties and luxury vehicles, specifically the Lamborghini that Siow had purchased and registered in her name under the premise that it was to support his business image in London.

The couple’s relationship, described by Giumba as “brief but intense,” deteriorated by November 2022, culminating in a breakup that took place during dinner at the upscale Japanese restaurant Roka Mayfair in London. After the split, Giumba sold the car and reportedly used the proceeds — approximately £219,500 — on extravagant expenses such as holidays, clothing, and nightlife.

Siow, a Singapore national who made a name for himself in the NFT market with his project Hypebears, soon discovered the sale of the car and initiated legal proceedings against Giumba, asserting that she did not have the right to sell it. In the subsequent trial, Giumba argued that Siow had “gifted” the vehicle to her, claiming he had been generous during their relationship. However, Judge Nicholas Parfitt ruled in favour of Siow, determining that the car was not Giumba’s to sell and was, in fact, intended for his business use.

During the hearing, both parties presented their versions of events. Giumba claimed, “I initiated the breakup, but wanted to give it another go – he was the one who then said no,” further asserting that Siow had allowed her to keep the car and other gifts following their separation. Conversely, Siow’s barrister contended that Giumba took advantage of Siow’s kindness and undermined his property rights by disposing of a valuable asset without his knowledge.

The court found that Giumba had confused the concept of being the registered keeper of the vehicle with ownership rights, and that she had acted without authority in selling it. The judge highlighted that correspondence between the two indicated Siow maintained control over the car, refuting Giumba’s claim. He stated, “Not telling him about the sale is consistent with her understanding that it hadn’t been a gift to her.”

In the end, the court ordered Giumba to reimburse Siow for the sale price of the Lamborghini, inclusive of interest accrued over the period since the sale, totaling approximately £300,000 including legal fees. Giumba expressed her inability to pay, stating, “I don’t have the money…I can’t pay.”

This ruling highlights the complexities involved in personal relationships intertwined with significant financial assets, and the potential legal ramifications when these relationships deteriorate. The case reflects broader implications regarding ownership and the nature of gifts in romantic partnerships, particularly where substantial assets are concerned.

Source: Noah Wire Services