Ursula Andress, famously known for her iconic role in “Dr. No” where she dazzled audiences in a memorable white bikini with a dagger at her side, became the benchmark for all Bond girls to follow.
Unfortunately, the suave 007 was not there to shield Andress from alleged financial predators who have reportedly siphoned off her wealth.
The actress, who starred as Honey Ryder opposite Sean Connery’s James Bond in the 1962 classic, filed a criminal complaint in Switzerland this past January against her former asset manager, Eric Freymond, who has since passed away.
In recent developments, Italian authorities have confiscated assets valued at £17 million, which were allegedly acquired using funds embezzled from Andress.
Investigations led officials to Florence, uncovering a trail that resulted in the seizure of properties, vineyards, and olive groves in Tuscany, believed to have been purchased with her misappropriated money.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Andress, who celebrated her 90th birthday earlier this month, expressed her disbelief to the Swiss-German publication Blick, stating, “I am still in shock. I was deliberately targeted. I was courted and wooed for eight years.”
‘They lied to me ruthlessly and exploited my goodwill and trust in a perfidious, even criminal way to take everything from me. And they were counting on my age! I’m so devastated.’
She claims Freymond lost her fortune by investing in worthless stocks and buying artwork worth several million Swiss francs.
In an unforgettable white bikini and with a dagger on her hip, Ursula Andress’s appearance (pictured in 1962) on a gleaming Jamaican beach in Dr No set the standard for every Bond girl
Ms Andress (pictured in 2008) filed a criminal complaint in her native Switzerland against her late former asset manager, Eric Freymond, in January
Ms Andress played Honey Ryder alongside Sean Connery’s James Bond (pictured together) in the 1962 spy thriller
Some of the artworks allegedly bought with her money have now been revealed to be registered in the name of Freymond’s wife, Caroline. There is no suggestion she is involved in any wrongdoing.
The actress, who went on to have a successful career and appeared as Vesper Lynd in the 1967 Bond parody Casino Royale, told Blick the stress of the investigation left her struggling to sleep at night.
‘This feeling of helplessness is unbearable – it’s killing me,’ she added.
‘Like all Swiss people, I have worked hard and always saved my money.
‘I hoped to spend my final years happily and peacefully. And now this happens.
‘I’ve been disgustingly cheated.’
Nicolas Puech, heir to the $16 billion luxury fashion brand Hermès fortune, has also accused Freymond of costing him billions by selling off his 6 per cent stake in the family business.
Freymond, 67, will not, however, be facing justice. He was hit by a train and killed last July near the Swiss alpine village of Saanen. Local police have treated his death as a suicide.
Freymond, 67, (pictured with his wife Caroline Freymond) will not, however, be facing justice. He was hit by a train and killed last July near the Swiss alpine village of Saanen
A statement issued by Ms Andress’s management team said: ‘As part of a fraud scheme of exceptional scale and complexity, involving numerous actors and structures, she was deprived of a large portion of her assets, resulting in significant damage.
‘Out of consideration for the ongoing proceedings, Ms Andress does not wish to make any further comments at this time.
‘The Vaud [Swiss district] cantonal judicial authorities have been tasked with fully investigating the manipulations and clarifying criminal and civil liability.’
As well as starring with Connery, Ms Andress acted alongside Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marcello Mastroianni, Jean-Paul Belmondo and Peter Sellers in a career spanning more than six decades.
Her appearance in Dr No landed her a Golden Globe newcomer award. She had romantic relationships with James Dean, Dennis Hopper, director John Derek and Mad Men actor Harry Hamlin, with whom she has a son, Dimitri.
