Backup Plan

With Somma’s alleged scheme in tatters, he launched his apparent backup plan -- allegedly bogus arbitrations against AmTrust and its European unit -- to force AmTrust to choose between paying exorbitant settlements or face "potentially ruinous awards," AmTrust says.

It says the bullets arrived six months later. The company’s lawyers declined to provide details, citing safety concerns. The insurer didn’t specifically accuse Somma or Lacchini of involvement. In his interview, Somma said AmTrust sent the bullets itself. AmTrust denies that.

Around the same time, AmTrust contends, Somma began sending "taunting and threatening" text messages to CEO Zyskind. One said, “My friend, I hope you and your family are comfortable, I think you have to start to get the money, thanks,” according to the suit.

Suspicious of Somma’s "aggressive behavior," AmTrust hired a business intelligence firm. Two of its private investigators met Somma in Rome on Feb. 12, saying they wanted to introduce him to Chinese investors. They asked Somma about the AmTrust dispute and taped the conversation.

400 Million Euros

Somma "told the investigators that the dispute would be resolved on November 8, 2016, and that the result would be a decision awarding him 400 million euros," according to the suit. Prompted by the investigators to explain, Somma told them, "The arbitration is a man" and then "rubbed his thumb against his fingers in a gesture commonly understood to indicate money," the complaint states.

According to the complaint, one investigator responded, “That’s the Italian way.” He then asked Somma if he could ask him something “very, very, very private," namely how much Somma had paid for a positive outcome.

On a slip of paper, Somma wrote “10%,” AmTrust said in the complaint. “What I wrote to you tonight ... not even my wife knows,” he said, the suit contends.

The same business intelligence firm sent investigators to meet with Lacchini, pretending to seek his involvement in a new business academy being established in the Middle East, according to the complaint. AmTrust says the investigators asked Lacchini whether it was possible to ensure the result of an arbitration.