Italian Arbitrator Says AmTrust’s Action Should be Dismissed for Lack of Jurisdiction

NEW YORK — In support of his motion to dismiss AmTrust Financial Service’s lawsuit accusing him of rigging arbitrations, an Italian arbitrator says a New York federal court lacks jurisdiction because he had no contacts with the United States beyond a single email.

In an Oct. 14 motion filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Marco Lacchini further asserts that AmTrust has failed to adequately plead the elements of a claim under the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act.

In December 2009, AmTrust began underwriting medical malpractice in Italy through AmTrust Europe Ltd. (ATEL). ATEL …