Representation of Keit and Rain Rosimannus in the Autorollo case

Ellex team in Estonia – Arne Ots, Toomas Vaher and Marika Kütt – represented Keit and Rain Rosimannus in the Autorollo case.

According to Ellex’s attorneys, the Supreme Court’s decision which partially annulled the lower courts’ judgments – specifically the part that upheld the claim – was expected. Of the five claims filed, four were ultimately dismissed against Rain Rosimannus and Keit Pentus-Rosimannus.

Proceedings continue on one claim (the establishment of OÜ AutoHills and the transfer of assets to it). In this regard, the Court of Appeal must, upon re-examination, verify whether the claimant has proven the prerequisites necessary to bring the claim. Until now, the claim had been upheld solely on the basis of unproven allegations presented by the bankruptcy trustee of OÜ Autorollo and supporting individuals, which were accompanied throughout by intense public interest and a media narrative that did not always rely on evidence. The Supreme Court has now directed the Court of Appeal to resolve the remaining part of the case based on the evidence and arguments submitted to the court, following the legal guidance provided by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court’s decision reflects the principle that family members or close associates cannot be held liable for the consequences of a relative’s business activities merely because they communicate with each other. Recommending a lawyer is not a wrongdoing, and a lawyer generally does not bear responsibility for a company’s management decisions. For legal practice, this ruling is highly significant, as it clarifies numerous aspects of corporate governance, advisory roles and liability, and will undoubtedly have a broader impact.