The founder of London's celebrated Sherlock Holmes Museum is embroiled in a fresh legal controversy, accused of transferring his multi-million-pound business to his wife to avoid paying a substantial debt to his sister. John Aidiniantz, 69, is at the centre of a bitter family feud that has spawned over 100 court appearances in 13 years.
A "Goldmine" Attraction Sparks a Poisonous Feud
The world-famous Sherlock Holmes Museum, situated at 221b Baker Street close to Marylebone Station, was established by Mr Aidiniantz in 1989. Hailed as the official home of the fictional detective, it has become a major tourist draw, described in court as a "goldmine" generating a fortune in ticket sales. However, this success has been overshadowed by a protracted and acrimonious legal war within the Aidiniantz family.
The disputes, which judges have labelled "poisonous," "lamentable," and "sad," began in 2012. They initially concerned the museum's £1.8 million takings, property ownership, and the care of the siblings' elderly mother. While an initial row over the museum's ownership was settled in 2013—with Mr Aidiniantz recognised as the sole owner and his sisters, Linda Riley and Jenny Decoteau, receiving £1 million each—the conflict has persisted.
The Alleged £20 Million Transfer to Avoid Payment
The latest court chapter focuses on claims by Linda Riley that her brother transferred the museum's holding company, Rollerteam Ltd, to his wife, Andrea von Ehrenstein, to deliberately frustrate her efforts to recover money. Ms Riley asserts that Mr Aidiniantz owes her nearly £500,000 in unpaid legal costs, a figure he disputes.
In a recent High Court hearing before Master Bowles, it was revealed that Mr Aidiniantz transferred all his shares to his wife in 2014, took half back, and then transferred them to her again in 2016. He insists the moves were legitimate, citing his recent marriage, plans to retire, and a desire to leave the business in safe hands for "posterity."
However, Ms Riley's barrister, Mark James, argued the transfers were a sham to make Mr Aidiniantz "judgment proof." He contended the founder remained the beneficial owner and that his subsequent move to Germany in 2017 with his wife was part of a pattern to place serious difficulties on enforcing any UK judgment.
Judgment Reserved for a Full Trial
Master Bowles rejected Mr Aidiniantz's attempt to have the claim thrown out summarily. While not assessing the ultimate strength of Ms Riley's case, the judge found her claims were not unrealistic or fanciful. "I do not regard them as unrealistic, or fanciful," he stated, ruling that a full trial is needed to investigate Mr Aidiniantz's true intentions behind the share transfers and establish beneficial ownership.
This ruling ensures the long-running saga will continue. The family's litigation has also encompassed a fight over their late mother's £1 million home in Battersea and a separate employment tribunal where a senior manager on a £120,000 salary successfully sued for unfair dismissal after demanding a £500,000 bonus. The museum, a beloved London institution, remains open as its ownership and the bitter divisions behind it await another day in court.
