{"id":"court_ctb_1314_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":1314,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"MOTION","filed_date":null,"title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"### **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n**\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_**\n\n**In re Chapter 11**\n\n**HO WAN KWOK, ET AL,[1](#page-0-0) Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)**\n\n**Debtors. Jointly Administered**\n\n## **UNITED STATES TRUSTEE'S PRELIMINARY RESPONSE TO THE DEBTOR'S MOTION TO REMOVE CHAPTER TRUSTEE**\n\nWilliam K. Harrington, the United States Trustee for Region 2 (\"United States Trustee\"), through counsel, files this preliminary response to the Motion to Remove Chapter 11 Trustee (ECF 1274) (\"Motion to Remove\") filed by debtor Ho Wan Kwok (\"Debtor\"), through his counsel, seeking to remove Luc A. Despins as chapter 11 trustee of the Debtor's case pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 324 (\"Section 324\"). The Motion to Remove was filed using the Court's Contested Matter Procedure, which requires initial responses/objections by January 13, 2023. Because the merits of the Motion to Remove have yet to be tested or considered through evidence, the United States Trustee's response is preliminary and focused on providing some context and background of the Debtor's case, as well as the standards governing a removal motion under Section 324.\n\n### **I. BACKGROUND**\n\n1. Ho Wan Kwok a/k/a Wengui Guo a/k/a Miles Guo a/k/a Miles Kwok (\"Debtor\" and/or \"Kwok\")[2](#page-0-1) filed a voluntary chapter 11 petition (\"Petition\") on February 15, 2022. ECF 1. The Debtor retained the firm of Brown Rudnick LLP (\"Brown Rudnick\") to be his chapter 11 counsel and paid Brown Rudnick a \\$1 million retainer. *See* ECF 54; ECF 86; ECF 77 at page 17; ECF 78 at page 20; and ECF 293.\n\n<span id=\"page-0-1\"></span><span id=\"page-0-0\"></span><sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595; case number 22-50073), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202; case number 22-50592) and Genever Holdings Corporation (case number 22-50542). 2 The Debtor is also known by multiple other aliases.\n\n2. The Debtor filed his chapter 11 case just days after the February 2022 Contempt Decision in the PAX Lawsuit[3](#page-1-0) in New York State Court and on the eve of the deadline to pay creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P. (\"PAX\") a contempt award of \\$134,000,000 imposed by the February 2022 Contempt Decision due to the Debtor's failure to return the yacht known as the Lady May to the jurisdiction of New York. On March 1, 2022, PAX filed a motion for relief from stay seeking authority to resume the PAX Lawsuit in order to pursue efforts toward the return of the Lady May. ECF 57.\n\n3. On March 19, 2022, the United States Trustee filed a motion seeking an order directing the appointment of an examiner or, in the alternative, a chapter 11 trustee (\"UST Examiner/Trustee Motion\"). ECF 102.\n\n4. On March 21, 2022, the United States Trustee appointed an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (\"Committee\") in this case. ECF 108.\n\n5. On March 22, 2022, the Debtor filed a motion for financing seeking to borrow \\$8 million dollars from Golden Spring New York Ltd. (\"Golden Spring\"), an entity purportedly owned by the Debtor's son Qiang Guo (\"DIP Financing Motion\"). ECF 117. The Debtor claims to have no ownership interest in or control over Golden Spring, but Golden Spring has in the past - allegedly without being reimbursed - gifted funds to the Debtor to pay for all of his living expenses, and has also loaned funds and/or paid for litigation expenses of the Debtor. *See* ECF 77 at Schedule D.\n\n6. On April 6, 2022, PAX, the Debtor's largest unsecured creditor, filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative, a partial joinder to the UST Examiner/Trustee Motion with regard to the relief of the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee (\"PAX Motion to Dismiss\"). ECF 183.\n\n7. On April 6, 2022, the Debtor filed an opposition to the UST Examiner/Trustee Motion that objected to the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee. ECF 180.\n\n<span id=\"page-1-0\"></span><sup>3</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the UST Examiner/Trustee Motion. ECF 102.\n\n8. On May 11, 2022, the Debtor consented to the dismissal of his case and withdrew the DIP Financing Motion. ECF 344 and 345.\n\n9. On May 25, 2022, the Court held a hearing on the PAX Motion to Dismiss and the UST Examiner/Trustee Motion.\n\n10. On June 15, 2022, the Court entered an order directing the United States Trustee to appoint one disinterested trustee in the Debtor's bankruptcy case (\"Trustee Order\"). ECF 465.\n\n#### *Appointment of Luc A. Despins as Chapter 11 Trustee and Debtor's Opposition Thereto*\n\n11. On July 7, 2022, the United States Trustee filed his Notice of Appointment of Luc A. Despins of Paul Hastings LLP (\"PH\") as the chapter 11 trustee (ECF 514) and an Application for Approval of the Appointment of Luc A. Despins pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §1104(d) (ECF 515) (\"Application\"). The Declaration of Disinterestedness of Luc A. Despins was filed as part of the Application (\"Original Declaration\"). After a hearing held on July 8, 2022, the Court granted the Application (\"Order Approving Trustee\"). ECF 523.[4](#page-2-0)\n\n12. On July 11, 2022, Attorney Aaron Mitchell filed an appearance as counsel to the Debtor and filed a letter objection to the appointment of Trustee Despins (\"Mitchell Letter Objection\"). ECF 530 and 531.\n\n13. On July 12, 2022, Trustee Despins filed an application to employ PH as his chapter 11 trustee counsel (\"PH Retention Application\") and a motion seeking an expedited hearing on the PH Retention Application. ECF 539 and 541.[5](#page-2-1)\n\n14. On July 13, 2022, Brown Rudnick filed a motion to withdraw as Debtor's counsel (\"Motion to Withdraw\"). ECF 543.\n\n<span id=\"page-2-0\"></span><sup>4</sup> At the July 8 hearing, Attorney Despins announced on the record that he would be filing a supplemental disclosure and explained the nature of the additional disclosures (the \"Supplemental Disclosures\"). Counsel for the Debtor (Brown Rudnick), the Committee, PAX, and certain other creditors were all present at the hearing and no party raised an objection to the appointment of Attorney Despins on the grounds that Attorney Despins was not competent to serve or was not disinterested.\n\n<span id=\"page-2-1\"></span><sup>5</sup> On July 12, 2022, Trustee Despins formally filed the Supplemental Disclosure explaining he had no personal prior representation of any entity affiliated with PAX and that PH had previously represented certain entities that share the same parent entity as PAX (\"July 12 Supplemental Disclosure\"). ECF 538. The July 12 Supplemental Disclosure is consistent with the Supplemental Disclosure at the July 8 Hearing.\n\n15. On July 14, 2022, the Debtor, through Z&Z[6](#page-3-0) , also filed an objection to having the PH Retention Application heard on an expedited basis. ECF 554.\n\n16. On July 15, 2022, the Debtor, through Z&Z, filed a motion seeking relief under Rule 60b/Rule 9024 to vacate the appointment of Trustee Despins as chapter 11 trustee (\"Motion to Vacate\"). ECF 561. The Motion to Vacate argued, among other things, that PH has a significant relationship with the Peoples Republic of China (\"China\"), Chinese Communist Party (\"CCP\"), and \"their state owned and controlled entities.\" Motion to Vacate at ¶ 2.\n\n17. On July 22, 2022, Z&Z attorneys issued requests/subpoenas for information and documents about Trustee Despins, PH, PAX, and entities connected to PAX.[7](#page-3-1) Trustee Despins filed a motion to quash the discovery issued by the Debtor (ECF 608) and the Debtor filed an objection in response (ECF 641).\n\n18. On July 26, 2022, Trustee Despins filed a supplemental declaration in support of the PH Retention Application. ECF 612.\n\n19. On July 27, 2022, the United States Trustee, the Committee, PAX and various creditors filed responses to the Motion to Vacate. ECF 615, 618, 621, and 628. Also on July 27, 2022, the Debtor filed an objection to the PH Retention Application. ECF 622.\n\n20. On July 28, 2022, Trustee Despins filed a supplemental declaration of disinterestedness. ECF 633.\n\n<span id=\"page-3-0\"></span><sup>6</sup> Attorneys at Z&Z have been involved in this case since April 2022 when Stephen Kindseth and Aaron Romney filed appearances as counsel for (a) Hong Kong International Funds Investments (USA) Limited LLC (\"HKI\") (the purported owner of the Lady May) and (b) Mei Guo (the Debtor's daughter who is the purported owner of HKI). ECF 201, 202, 339, and 340. John Cesaroni of Z&Z has also appeared as counsel for Ms. Guo. ECF 341. On July 14, 2022, four (4) attorneys from the law firm of Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C. (\"Z&Z\") filed appearances as counsel to the Debtor, namely Eric Henzy, Stephen Kindseth, Aaron Romney, and John Cesaroni. ECF 550, 551, 552, and 553. On July 20, 2022, James Moriarty of Z&Z has also appeared as counsel for the Debtor. ECF 574.\n\n<span id=\"page-3-1\"></span><sup>7</sup> Z&Z's discovery requests were: (a) Z&Z sent a letter to Trustee Despins seeking further information about the connections of PH and Trustee Despins to UBS and affiliates of UB; (b) Z&Z served a subpoena for documents on PH seeking information and documents (i) about the trustee selection process and specifically following up on the Mitchell Letter Objection; (ii) about the identity of PH's clients in China that are \"State Owned Entities\" or are \"CCP Officials,\" and compensation from same; (iii) about the connections of PH to UBS and affiliates of UBS; (iv) about the PAG entities represented by PH and the compensation received by PH from same; (v) about PH's licenses, certificates or other authorizations permitting PH to operate its offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai; (vi) about PH's revenue from all of its offices in China and Hong Kong; and (vii) about communications between Trustee Despins and/or PH and anyone else about \"(a) the Debtor's adverse interests to the Chinese Government or the Chinese Communist Party, or (b) whether those adverse interests impact, one way or another, the issue of whether Despins or Paul Hastings is Disinterested;\" and (c) Z&Z issued interrogatories to PAX seeking identification of all matters where PH provided services to \"any PAG Entity\" since 2017, and the amount of fees paid to PH for those matters.\n\n21. On August 1, 2022, the Court held a hearing on the Motion to Vacate, the PH Retention Application, the Motion to Withdraw, and other matters. ECF 658, 659, 660, 661, 662, 663, 664 and 665. By order dated August 2, 2022, the Court denied the Motion to Vacate (\"Order Denying Motion to Vacate\"). ECF 667. Also, by orders dated August 2, 2022, the Court approved the Motion to Withdraw and the PH Retention Application. ECF 666 and 668.\n\n22. On August 9, 2022, the Debtor filed an appeal of the Order Denying Motion to Vacate. ECF 711. An amended notice of appeal was filed on August 10, 2022. ECF 715. The appeal is limited to challenging the portion of the Order Denying Motion to Vacate that states that \"[a]lthough the Debtor did not seek to terminate the appointment of the Chapter 11 Trustee under 11 U.S.C. § 1105 or remove the Chapter 11 Trustee under 11 U.S.C. § 324, no grounds exist to terminate the appointment of Chapter 11 Trustee or remove the Chapter 11 Trustee appointed in the Debtor's case.\" ECF 715.\n\n23. The appeal of the Order Denying Motion to Vacate is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut as *Kwok v. Despins, et al (In re Kwok),* 3:22-cv-1019 (KAD) (\"Appeal\"). Briefing in the Appeal concluded this week. No stay pending appeal has been imposed.\n\n#### *Trustee Despins' Investigation and Debtor's Conduct*\n\n24. Since his appointment, Trustee Despins has actively investigated the Debtor's financial affairs and assets. Trustee Despins' efforts to obtain information and assert control over the Debtor's assets have been opposed, challenged, and criticized by the Debtor at almost every opportunity. The chapter 11 case docket currently contains over 1200 entries (and is thus not easily summarized) and features numerous examples of the Debtor's lack of cooperation with the investigation and efforts to impede Trustee Despins' access to information and documentation regarding the Debtor's assets and financial affairs.\n\n5\n\n25. The Debtor is currently the subject of a pending motion for civil contempt filed by Trustee Despins on October 14, 2022 (ECF 913) for failure to comply with an order of the Court entered on August 10, 2022 (ECF 717) (\"Corporate Governance Order\"). [8](#page-5-0)\n\n26. The Debtor is currently a defendant in an injunction adversary proceeding filed against him by PAX (and joined by Trustee Despins as a plaintiff) seeking an order enjoining the Debtor's from publishing messages, videos, or other communications, on the Internet or otherwise, designed to harass or intimidate PAX, it's personnel and counsel, and Trustee Despins, his family, and his counsel. *See Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P. v. Kwok*, Adversary Proceeding 22-5032 (\"Injunction Adversary\").\n\n27. In the Injunction Adversary, the Court issued a temporary restraining order on November 23, 2022 (\"TRO\"). *See* ECF 26 in the Injunction Adversary. [9](#page-5-1)\n\n28. Thereafter, on November 30, 2022, PAX and Trustee Despins filed a motion in the Injunction Adversary to hold the Debtor in civil contempt for having violated the TRO (\"TRO Contempt Motion\"). *See* ECF 40, 41, 114, and 119 in the Injunction Adversary. The TRO Contempt Motion remains pending.\n\n29. The Debtor subsequently filed oppositions in the Injunction Adversary to the preliminary injunction and the TRO Contempt Motion through new counsel, Attorneys David Wachen and Jeffrey Hellman. *See* ECF 58, 112 in the Injunction Adversary.\n\n<span id=\"page-5-0\"></span><sup>8</sup> The Debtor has appealed Corporate Governance Order (ECF 723) and the appeal is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut as *Kwok v. Despins, et al (In re Kwok),* 3:22-cv-1028 (KAD) (\"Corporate Governance Order Appeal\"). Although the Debtor requested a stay pending appeal (ECF 761) and the Court considered that motion on August 31, 2022, the Court has not imposed a stay and the motion for a stay remains under advisement. ECF 761 and docket entry on August 31, 2022. Briefing in the Corporate Governance Order Appeal concluded this week.\n\n<span id=\"page-5-1\"></span><sup>9</sup> The TRO temporarily enjoined the Debtor from: \"(1) posting false and harassing online materials about the Chapter 11 Trustee Luc Despins (the \"Trustee\"), PAX's or PAG's officers or employees, counsel to the Trustee or PAX, and any of their respective relatives; (2) publishing online the home addresses and other personal information of the Trustee, PAX's manager PAG's Chairman Shan Weijian, PAX's or PAG's other officers and employees, and their respective relatives (including identifying relatives' employers); and (3) encouraging, inciting, suggesting, or directly or indirectly funding protests at the home or office the Trustee, PAX's or PAG's officers or employees, counsel to the Trustee or PAX, and any of their respective relatives (including former spouses).\" *Id.* The TRO further \"temporarily enjoined from interfering in any way with the integrity of his Chapter 11 case, the Chapter 11 case of Genever Holdings, LLC, and the Chapter 11 case of Genever Holdings Corporation which have been jointly administered in this Court, including taking any act to, and/or directing or encouraging others to take any act that, threatens, or encourages others to threaten the safety of Trustee, PAX's or PAG's officers or employees, counsel to the Trustee or PAX, and any of their respective relatives (including former spouses).\" *Id.* Additionally, the TRO required the Debtor to \"remove all existing social media posts that (i) contain personal information about the Trustee, PAX or PAG officers or employees, counsel to the Trustee or PAX, and any of their respective relatives (including former spouses); and (ii) encourage, incite, or suggest protests, harassment, doxing, or similar conduct toward the Trustee, any PAX of *[sic]* PAG officers or employees, counsel to the Trustee or PAX, and any of their respective relatives (including former spouses).\" *Id.*\n\n30. In December 2022, the Court held a multi-day evidentiary hearing in the Injunction Adversary on the request for a preliminary injunction. By order dated December 7, 2022, the Court extended the TRO pending the ruling on the preliminary injunction by order dated December 7, 2022. *See* ECF 80 in the Injunction Adversary. [10](#page-6-0)\n\n31. On January 11, 2023 (and subsequently modified by corrections docketed on January 13, 2023), the Court issued a memorandum of decision (\"January PI Decision\") and order of preliminary injunction against the Debtor and third parties (\"Preliminary Injunction Order\"). *See* ECF 128, 129, 133 and 134 in the Injunction Adversary. [11](#page-6-1)\n\n32. The January PI Decision contains findings regarding the Debtor's conduct and efforts to impede Trustee Despins' investigation and ultimately concludes the Debtor has engaged in conduct that \"embarrass[es], burden[s], delay[s] or otherwise impede[s] the reorganization proceedings.\" *See* ECF 133 at page 43; *see also, inter alia*, pages 37-39, 41-42.\n\n33. Against this backdrop, on December 30, 2022, the Debtor filed the Motion to Remove seeking an order removing Trustee Despins from his role as chapter 11 trustee.\n\n#### *Motion to Remove*\n\n34. The Motion to Remove raises a number of criticisms of the path of the Debtor's case since Trustee Despins' appointment. Among other things, the Debtor criticizes Trustee Despins' efforts to obtain discovery from third parties related to the Debtor, the cost of Trustee Despins' efforts, and the unwillingness of Trustee Despins to succumb to the Debtor's request to limit and/or\n\n<span id=\"page-6-0\"></span><sup>10</sup> On January 5, 2023, the Debtor filed a notice of appeal of the TRO. *See* ECF 123 in Injunction Adversary.\n\n<span id=\"page-6-1\"></span><sup>11</sup> The Preliminary Injunction Order imposes multiple restrictions on the Debtor and others, enjoining (a) protesting, picketing, parading, or displaying or distributing harassing material (\"Conduct\") subject to certain parameters, and (b) encouraging, inciting, suggesting, or directly or indirectly funding the Conduct via any form of communication including, without limitation, social media. The Preliminary Injunction Order also directs the Debtor \"to take down all existing social media posts on accounts he uses or controls, including, without limitation, the Gettr accounts with the (former) handles @Miles, @MilesGuo, and @MilesGuoLive, that (a) contain the home addresses and other personal information (including, with respect to relatives, relatives' employers) of the Chapter 11 Trustee, PAX's or its affiliates' officers or employees, counsel to the Chapter 11 Trustee or PAX or its affiliates, and any of their respective relatives (including former spouses); and/or (b) encourage, incite, or suggest any activity enjoined by paragraphs 1 and/or 2 of this Order.\" Further, the Preliminary Injunction Order enjoins the Debtor \"from interfering in any way with the integrity of his Chapter 11 case, the Chapter 11 case of Genever Holdings, LLC, and the Chapter 11 case of Genever Holdings Corporation, which have been jointly administered in this Court, including taking any act to, and/or directing or encouraging others to take any act that, threatens, or encourages others to threaten the safety of Chapter 11 Trustee, PAX's or its affiliates' officers or employees, counsel to the Chapter 11 Trustee or PAX, and any of their respective relatives (including former spouses).\" *See* ECF 134 in the Injunction Adversary.\n\ncurtail his investigation while a global resolution of the case is negotiated. The primary focus of the Motion to Remove appears to be that Trustee Despins should be removed because he purportedly will not agree to a settlement on terms that the Debtor posits are acceptable to the Debtor and certain creditors. *See* Motion to Remove at pages 8-11.\n\n35. The Motion to Remove also claims that Trustee Despins violated Connecticut Rule of Professional Conduct 3.4(7) during alleged settlement discussions by purportedly threatening criminal charges in order to obtain advantage in the chapter 11 case, which in turn the Debtor alleges \"caused actual injury to the estate\" and thus grounds for removal. *See* Motion to Remove at pages 15-17.\n\n#### **II. RESPONSE**\n\nSection 324 of the Bankruptcy Code governs removal of a trustee. \"The court, after notice and a hearing, may remove a trustee, other than the United States trustee, for cause.\" 11 U.S.C. § 324(a). \"Cause, which is not defined by the Code, must be determined by courts on an *ad hoc* basis.\" *In re Lundborg*, 110 B.R. 106, 108 (Bankr. D. Conn. 1990, Shiff, J.); *Cole v. Rescia (In re Cole)*, 2022 WL 4536830, \\*9 (D. Conn. September 22, 2022). The removal of a trustee is extreme. *In re Lundborg* 110 B.R. 106, 108, (Bankr. D. Conn. 1990) And, since the removal of a trustee is an extreme remedy, cause to remove a trustee cannot be found in actions that fall within the proper scope of a trustee's discretion and which do not represent some type of misconduct. *See In re Consolidated Industries*, 330 B.R. 712, 715 (Bankr. N.D. Ind. 2005) (holding that the trustee's failure to commence litigation was a proper exercise of his business judgment and therefore did not constitute cause for removal). \"It is well established that 'cause' may include trustee incompetence, violation of the trustee's fiduciary duties, misconduct or failure to perform the trustee's duties, or lack of disinterestedness or holding an interest adverse to the estate.\" *In re AFI Holding, Inc.*, 530 F.3d 832, 845 (9th Cir. 2008).\n\n8\n\nThe Second Circuit has stated that, \"[i]n defining \"cause\" for removal, [w]e have traditionally stressed the elements of fraud and actual injury to the debtor interests.\" *Dieffenbach v. Haworth (In re Haworth)*, 365 Fed. Appx. 529, 530 (2d. Cir 2009) (*quotations omitted; citations omitted*). Cause must be supported by specific facts, and the party seeking removal has the burden to prove them. *In re AFI Holding, Inc.*, 530 F.3d at 845. Trustees are \"granted wide authority and discretion regarding his chosen methods of administering the assets of an estate, including his decisions regarding whether assets are worth liquidating and whether litigation is worth pursuing.\" *In re Carvalho*, 578 B.R. 1, 11 (Bankr. D. D.C. 2017). Removal is not warranted if a trustee's exercise of business judgment was discretionary and reasonable under the circumstances. *Id. (citation omitted).* In addition, courts should consider whether the administration of the estate would suffer from a change of administration necessitated by removal of the trustee. *See, e.g., In re Freeport Italian Bakery, Inc.*, 340 F.2d 50, 55 (2d Cir. 1965). Section 324 \"is a powerful device, to be deployed only in the most severe of cases*.\" In re Belmonte*, 524 B.R. 17, 28 (Bankr. E.D.N.Y. 2015). \"The party seeking to remove a trustee must make a 'strong showing because the effect of removal is deleterious to the continuity of the administration of the estate.'\" *In re Empire State Conglomerates, Inc*., 546 B.R. 306, 317 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.2016) (citing *Matter of Carla Leather, Inc*., 44 B.R. 457, 473 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1984), aff'd, 50 B.R. 764 (S.D.N.Y.1985)). Thus, \"[r]emoval should be exercised only 'if the administration of the estate in bankruptcy would suffer more from the discord created by the present trustee than would be suffered from a change in administration.'\" *In re Concept Packaging Corp*., 7 B.R. 607, 609 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1980) (quoting *Freeport Italian Bakery, Inc*., 340 F.2d at 55).\n\nThe Debtor has the burden to demonstrate that there is a well-founded basis for the removal of Trustee Despins as the Chapter 11 trustee of Debtor's bankruptcy estate. The Motion to Remove, however, is largely premised on the fact that Trustee Despins will not accept the\n\nDebtor's proposal for settlement, which the Debtor claims is acceptable to certain creditors. In contrast, the January PI Decision finds that Trustee Despins \"is not at all opposed to reaching a settlement in this case\" and recognizes that Trustee Despins \"has fiduciary duties to creditors other than PAX, including those creditors who have not yet filed proofs of claim.\" *See* ECF 133 at 39. The January PI Decision also observes that Trustee Despins is doing what he was appointed to do[12](#page-9-0) – investigate the Debtor's assets and financial affairs – but \"has been met with opposition at every step in the process\" and that \"[a]ny replacement trustee would have to start over again and would likely face opposition from the Debtor immediately upon appointment, as the Chapter 11 Trustee has faced since his appointment.\" *See* ECF 133 at 38, 42.\n\nDiffering opinions and disputes as to how a chapter 11 case should proceed or be resolved are a natural occurrence, but rarely form a basis for a court to remove a trustee. Indeed, the burden to demonstrate that removal is appropriate is a difficult one - and the burden does not appear to have been met by the contents of the Motion to Remove as a challenge to a trustee's business judgment regarding settlement does not meet the high bar necessary to remove a trustee.\n\nAs noted above, trustees are granted wide authority and latitude to exercise their business judgment and discretion when administering an estate including, but not limited to, with respect to evaluating the terms of a potential settlement and taking discovery to conduct an investigation into the debtor's affairs. Furthermore, the burden to demonstrate that removal is warranted is difficult. Here, the allegations raised in the Motion to Remove fall woefully short of that high burden. Accordingly, the Motion to Remove should be denied.\n\n<span id=\"page-9-0\"></span><sup>12</sup> The Motion to Remove criticizes Trustee Despins for his unwillingness to \"stand down\" on his investigation and focus on settlement. The January PI Decision observes that investigation is exactly what Trustee Despins is supposed to be doing: \"Although the Debtor's bankruptcy counsel testified that he repeatedly asked the Chapter 11 Trustee to 'stand down,' the Court appointed the Chapter 11 Trustee precisely to fulfill those fiduciary duties.\" ECF 133 at 39.\n\nDated: January 13, 2023 Respectfully submitted,\n\nNew Haven, CT WILLIAM K. HARRINGTON United States Trustee for Region 2\n\n By: /s/ Holley L. Claiborn Holley L. Claiborn Trial Attorney Office of the United States Trustee Giaimo Federal Building, Room 302 150 Court Street New Haven, CT 06510 Holley.L.Claiborn@usdoj.gov (203) 773-2210 Federal Bar No.: ct17216 (Connecticut)\n\n# **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThis certifies that a copy of the foregoing was served on all parties listed below on January 13, 2023 via the Electronic Case Filing System maintained by this Court as noted below:\n\n**Laura Aronsson on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [laronsson@omm.com](mailto:laronsson@omm.com)**\n\n**Laura Aronsson on behalf of Plaintiff Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [laronsson@omm.com](mailto:laronsson@omm.com)**\n\n**Tristan G. Axelrod on behalf of Creditor Brown Rudnick LLP [taxelrod@brownrudnick.com](mailto:taxelrod@brownrudnick.com)**\n\n**Tristan G. Axelrod on behalf of Creditor Verdolino & Lowey, P.C. [taxelrod@brownrudnick.com](mailto:taxelrod@brownrudnick.com)**\n\n**William R. Baldiga on behalf of Creditor Brown Rudnick LLP [wbaldiga@brownrudnick.com](mailto:wbaldiga@brownrudnick.com)**\n\n**William R. Baldiga on behalf of Defendant Kwok Ho Wan [wbaldiga@brownrudnick.com](mailto:wbaldiga@brownrudnick.com)**\n\n**Kellianne Baranowsky on behalf of Interested Party BakerHostetler [kbaranowsky@gs-lawfirm.com,](mailto:kbaranowsky@gs-lawfirm.com) [aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;kbaranowsky@ecf.courtdrive.com](mailto:aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;kbaranowsky@ecf.courtdrive.com)**\n\n**Douglass E. Barron on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [douglassbarron@paulhastings.com](mailto:douglassbarron@paulhastings.com)**\n\n**Nicholas A. Bassett on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com,](mailto:nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com) [jonathonkosciewicz@paulhastings.com;lucdespins@paulhastings.com;alexbongartz@paulhastings.com](mailto:jonathonkosciewicz@paulhastings.com;lucdespins@paulhastings.com;alexbongartz@paulhastings.com;ezrasutton@paulhastings.com;douglassbarron@paulhastings.com;ecf.frg@paulhastings.com;aviluft@paulhastings.com) [;ezrasutton@paulhastings.com;douglassbarron@paulhastings.com;ecf.frg@paulhastings.com;aviluft@](mailto:jonathonkosciewicz@paulhastings.com;lucdespins@paulhastings.com;alexbongartz@paulhastings.com;ezrasutton@paulhastings.com;douglassbarron@paulhastings.com;ecf.frg@paulhastings.com;aviluft@paulhastings.com) [paulhastings.com](mailto:jonathonkosciewicz@paulhastings.com;lucdespins@paulhastings.com;alexbongartz@paulhastings.com;ezrasutton@paulhastings.com;douglassbarron@paulhastings.com;ecf.frg@paulhastings.com;aviluft@paulhastings.com)**\n\n**Patrick M. Birney on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pbirney@rc.com,](mailto:pbirney@rc.com) [ctrivigno@rc.com](mailto:ctrivigno@rc.com)**\n\n**Patrick M. Birney on behalf of Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pbirney@rc.com,](mailto:pbirney@rc.com) [ctrivigno@rc.com](mailto:ctrivigno@rc.com)**\n\n**Patrick M. Birney on behalf of Plaintiff Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pbirney@rc.com,](mailto:pbirney@rc.com) [ctrivigno@rc.com](mailto:ctrivigno@rc.com)**\n\n**Christopher H. Blau on behalf of Interested Party HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [cblau@zeislaw.com](mailto:cblau@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**G. Alexander Bongartz on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [alexbongartz@paulhastings.com](mailto:alexbongartz@paulhastings.com)**\n\n**Carollynn H.G. Callari on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Rui Ma [ccallari@callaripartners.com](mailto:ccallari@callaripartners.com)**\n\n**Carollynn H.G. Callari on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Weican Meng [ccallari@callaripartners.com](mailto:ccallari@callaripartners.com)**\n\n**Carollynn H.G. Callari on behalf of Creditor Zheng Wu [ccallari@callaripartners.com](mailto:ccallari@callaripartners.com)**\n\n**Daniel Cantor on behalf of Plaintiff Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [dcantor@omm.com](mailto:dcantor@omm.com)**\n\n**John L. Cesaroni on behalf of Counter-Defendant HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC**\n\n**[jcesaroni@zeislaw.com](mailto:jcesaroni@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**John L. Cesaroni on behalf of Counter-Defendant Mei Guo [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com](mailto:jcesaroni@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**John L. Cesaroni on behalf of Debtor Ho Wan Kwok [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com](mailto:jcesaroni@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**John L. Cesaroni on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com](mailto:jcesaroni@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**John L. Cesaroni on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com](mailto:jcesaroni@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**John L. Cesaroni on behalf of Interested Party HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com](mailto:jcesaroni@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**John L. Cesaroni on behalf of Interested Party Mei Guo [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com](mailto:jcesaroni@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**John L. Cesaroni on behalf of Plaintiff HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com](mailto:jcesaroni@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Scott M. Charmoy on behalf of Interested Party HCHK Property Management, Inc. [scottcharmoy@charmoy.com,](mailto:scottcharmoy@charmoy.com) [ecf-](mailto:ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com)[3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com](mailto:ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com)**\n\n**Scott M. Charmoy on behalf of Interested Party HCHK Technologies, Inc. [scottcharmoy@charmoy.com,](mailto:scottcharmoy@charmoy.com) [ecf-](mailto:ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com)[3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com](mailto:ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com)**\n\n**Scott M. Charmoy on behalf of Interested Party Lexington Property and Staffing, Inc. [scottcharmoy@charmoy.com,](mailto:scottcharmoy@charmoy.com) [ecf-](mailto:ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com)[3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com](mailto:ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com)**\n\n**Holley L. Claiborn on behalf of U.S. Trustee U. S. Trustee [holley.l.claiborn@usdoj.gov](mailto:holley.l.claiborn@usdoj.gov)**\n\n**Samuel Bryant Davidoff on behalf of Interested Party Williams & Connolly LLP [sdavidoff@wc.com](mailto:sdavidoff@wc.com)**\n\n**Luc A. Despins**\n\n**[lucdespins@paulhastings.com,](mailto:lucdespins@paulhastings.com) [matlaskowski@paulhastings.com;davidmohamed@paulhastings.com](mailto:matlaskowski@paulhastings.com;davidmohamed@paulhastings.com)**\n\n**Luc A. Despins on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [lucdespins@paulhastings.com,](mailto:lucdespins@paulhastings.com) [matlaskowski@paulhastings.com;davidmohamed@paulhastings.com](mailto:matlaskowski@paulhastings.com;davidmohamed@paulhastings.com)**\n\n**David S. Forsh on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Rui Ma [dforsh@callaripartners.com](mailto:dforsh@callaripartners.com)**\n\n**David S. Forsh on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Weican Meng [dforsh@callaripartners.com](mailto:dforsh@callaripartners.com)**\n\n**David S. Forsh on behalf of Creditor Zheng Wu [dforsh@callaripartners.com](mailto:dforsh@callaripartners.com)**\n\n**Peter Friedman on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pfriedman@omm.com](mailto:pfriedman@omm.com)**\n\n**Peter Friedman on behalf of Plaintiff Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pfriedman@omm.com](mailto:pfriedman@omm.com)**\n\n**Taruna Garg on behalf of Creditor The Sherry-Netherland, Inc. [tgarg@murthalaw.com,](mailto:tgarg@murthalaw.com) [mgarcia@murthalaw.com](mailto:mgarcia@murthalaw.com)**\n\n**Irve J. Goldman on behalf of Creditor Committee Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors [igoldman@pullcom.com,](mailto:igoldman@pullcom.com) [rmccoy@pullcom.com](mailto:rmccoy@pullcom.com)**\n\n**Irve J. Goldman on behalf of Creditor Committee Pullman & Comley, LLC [igoldman@pullcom.com,](mailto:igoldman@pullcom.com) [rmccoy@pullcom.com](mailto:rmccoy@pullcom.com)**\n\n**Evan S. Goldstein on behalf of Interested Party Greenwich Land, LLC [egoldstein@uks.com](mailto:egoldstein@uks.com)**\n\n**Evan S. Goldstein on behalf of Interested Party Hing Chi Ngok [egoldstein@uks.com](mailto:egoldstein@uks.com)**\n\n**Mia N. Gonzalez on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [mgonzalez@omm.com](mailto:mgonzalez@omm.com)**\n\n**Mia N. Gonzalez on behalf of Plaintiff Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [mgonzalez@omm.com](mailto:mgonzalez@omm.com)**\n\n**James C. Graham on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [jgraham@npmlaw.com,](mailto:jgraham@npmlaw.com) [sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**James C. Graham on behalf of Defendant Luc A. Despins [jgraham@npmlaw.com,](mailto:jgraham@npmlaw.com) [sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**James C. Graham on behalf of Trustee Luc A. Despins [jgraham@npmlaw.com,](mailto:jgraham@npmlaw.com) [sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**  **Lawrence S. Grossman on behalf of Interested Party BakerHostetler [LGrossman@gs-lawfirm.com,](mailto:LGrossman@gs-lawfirm.com) [aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;ngolino@gs](mailto:aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;ngolino@gs-lawfirm.com;lawrencegrossman@ecf.courtdrive.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs-lawfirm.com)[lawfirm.com;lawrencegrossman@ecf.courtdrive.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs](mailto:aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;ngolino@gs-lawfirm.com;lawrencegrossman@ecf.courtdrive.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs-lawfirm.com)[lawfirm.com](mailto:aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;ngolino@gs-lawfirm.com;lawrencegrossman@ecf.courtdrive.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs-lawfirm.com)**\n\n**David V. Harbach, II on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [dharbach@omm.com](mailto:dharbach@omm.com)**\n\n**David V. Harbach, II on behalf of Plaintiff Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [dharbach@omm.com](mailto:dharbach@omm.com)**\n\n**James J. Healy on behalf of Interested Party Williams & Connolly LLP [jhealy@cmdhlaw.com](mailto:jhealy@cmdhlaw.com)**\n\n**Jeffrey Hellman on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [jeff@jeffhellmanlaw.com,](mailto:jeff@jeffhellmanlaw.com) [christen@jeffhellmanlaw.com](mailto:christen@jeffhellmanlaw.com)**\n\n**Eric A. Henzy on behalf of Debtor Ho Wan Kwok [ehenzy@zeislaw.com,](mailto:ehenzy@zeislaw.com) [cjervey@zeislaw.com](mailto:cjervey@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Eric A. Henzy on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [ehenzy@zeislaw.com,](mailto:ehenzy@zeislaw.com) [cjervey@zeislaw.com](mailto:cjervey@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Eric A. Henzy on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [ehenzy@zeislaw.com,](mailto:ehenzy@zeislaw.com) [cjervey@zeislaw.com](mailto:cjervey@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Eric A. Henzy on behalf of Interested Party HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [ehenzy@zeislaw.com,](mailto:ehenzy@zeislaw.com) [cjervey@zeislaw.com](mailto:cjervey@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Jonathan Kaplan on behalf of Creditor Committee Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors [jkaplan@pullcom.com,](mailto:jkaplan@pullcom.com) [prulewicz@pullcom.com;rmccoy@pullcom.com](mailto:prulewicz@pullcom.com;rmccoy@pullcom.com)**\n\n**Stephen M. Kindseth on behalf of Debtor Ho Wan Kwok [skindseth@zeislaw.com,](mailto:skindseth@zeislaw.com) [cjervey@zeislaw.com](mailto:cjervey@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Stephen M. Kindseth on behalf of Interested Party HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [skindseth@zeislaw.com,](mailto:skindseth@zeislaw.com) [cjervey@zeislaw.com](mailto:cjervey@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Stephen M. Kindseth on behalf of Interested Party Mei Guo [skindseth@zeislaw.com,](mailto:skindseth@zeislaw.com) [cjervey@zeislaw.com](mailto:cjervey@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Nancy Bohan Kinsella on behalf of Plaintiff-Intervenor Luc A. Despins [nkinsella@npmlaw.com,](mailto:nkinsella@npmlaw.com) [moshea@npmlaw.com;smowery@npmlaw.com;npm.bankruptcy@gmail.com](mailto:moshea@npmlaw.com;smowery@npmlaw.com;npm.bankruptcy@gmail.com)**\n\n**Francis J. Lawall on behalf of Defendant Bravo Luck Limited , [susan.henry@troutman.com;marcy.smith@troutman.com](mailto:susan.henry@troutman.com;marcy.smith@troutman.com)**\n\n**Francis J. Lawall on behalf of Interested Party Bravo Luck Limited [francis.lawallf@troutman.com,](mailto:francis.lawallf@troutman.com) [susan.henry@troutman.com;marcy.smith@troutman.com](mailto:susan.henry@troutman.com;marcy.smith@troutman.com)**  **Andrew V. Layden on behalf of Interested Party BakerHostetler [alayden@bakerlaw.com](mailto:alayden@bakerlaw.com)**\n\n**Patrick R. Linsey on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,](mailto:plinsey@npmlaw.com) [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Patrick R. Linsey on behalf of Counter-Claimant Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,](mailto:plinsey@npmlaw.com) [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Patrick R. Linsey on behalf of Debtor Genever Holdings Corporation [plinsey@npmlaw.com,](mailto:plinsey@npmlaw.com) [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Patrick R. Linsey on behalf of Defendant Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,](mailto:plinsey@npmlaw.com) [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Patrick R. Linsey on behalf of Plaintiff Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,](mailto:plinsey@npmlaw.com) [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Patrick R. Linsey on behalf of Plaintiff-Intervenor Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,](mailto:plinsey@npmlaw.com) [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Patrick R. Linsey on behalf of Trustee Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,](mailto:plinsey@npmlaw.com) [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Avram Emmanuel Luft on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [aviluft@paulhastings.com](mailto:aviluft@paulhastings.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Rui Ma [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Weican Meng [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of Creditor Committee Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of Creditor Zheng Wu [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of Plaintiff Boxun Inc. [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of Plaintiff Rui Ma [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of Plaintiff Weican (Watson) Meng [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of Plaintiff Yang Lan [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Kristin B. Mayhew on behalf of Plaintiff Zheng Wu [kmayhew@pullcom.com,](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com](mailto:kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com)**  **Danielle L. Merola on behalf of Interested Party BakerHostetler [dmerola@bakerlaw.com](mailto:dmerola@bakerlaw.com)**\n\n**Sherry J. Millman on behalf of Creditor The Sherry-Netherland, Inc. [smillman@stroock.com](mailto:smillman@stroock.com)**\n\n**Aaron A Mitchell on behalf of Debtor Ho Wan Kwok [aaron@lmesq.com](mailto:aaron@lmesq.com)**\n\n**Aaron A Mitchell on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [aaron@lmesq.com](mailto:aaron@lmesq.com)**\n\n**James M. Moriarty on behalf of Counter-Defendant HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,](mailto:jmoriarty@zeislaw.com) [cgregory@zeislaw.com](mailto:cgregory@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**James M. Moriarty on behalf of Counter-Defendant Mei Guo [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,](mailto:jmoriarty@zeislaw.com) [cgregory@zeislaw.com](mailto:cgregory@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**James M. Moriarty on behalf of Debtor Ho Wan Kwok [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,](mailto:jmoriarty@zeislaw.com) [cgregory@zeislaw.com](mailto:cgregory@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**James M. Moriarty on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,](mailto:jmoriarty@zeislaw.com) [cgregory@zeislaw.com](mailto:cgregory@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**James M. Moriarty on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,](mailto:jmoriarty@zeislaw.com) [cgregory@zeislaw.com](mailto:cgregory@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**James M. Moriarty on behalf of Interested Party HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC**\n\n**[jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,](mailto:jmoriarty@zeislaw.com) [cgregory@zeislaw.com](mailto:cgregory@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**James M. Moriarty on behalf of Interested Party Mei Guo [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,](mailto:jmoriarty@zeislaw.com) [cgregory@zeislaw.com](mailto:cgregory@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**James M. Moriarty on behalf of Plaintiff HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,](mailto:jmoriarty@zeislaw.com) [cgregory@zeislaw.com](mailto:cgregory@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Sara Pahlavan on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [spahlavan@omm.com](mailto:spahlavan@omm.com)**\n\n**Patrick N. Petrocelli on behalf of Creditor The Sherry-Netherland, Inc. [ppetrocelli@stroock.com](mailto:ppetrocelli@stroock.com)**\n\n**Lucas Bennett Rocklin on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [lrocklin@npmlaw.com,](mailto:lrocklin@npmlaw.com) [NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Aaron Romney on behalf of Counter-Defendant HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC**\n\n**[aromney@zeislaw.com,](mailto:aromney@zeislaw.com) [swenthen@zeislaw.com](mailto:swenthen@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Aaron Romney on behalf of Counter-Defendant Mei Guo [aromney@zeislaw.com,](mailto:aromney@zeislaw.com) [swenthen@zeislaw.com](mailto:swenthen@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Aaron Romney on behalf of Debtor Ho Wan Kwok [aromney@zeislaw.com,](mailto:aromney@zeislaw.com) [swenthen@zeislaw.com](mailto:swenthen@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Aaron Romney on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [aromney@zeislaw.com,](mailto:aromney@zeislaw.com) [swenthen@zeislaw.com](mailto:swenthen@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Aaron Romney on behalf of Defendant Ho Wan Kwok [aromney@zeislaw.com,](mailto:aromney@zeislaw.com) [swenthen@zeislaw.com](mailto:swenthen@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Aaron Romney on behalf of Interested Party HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC**\n\n**[aromney@zeislaw.com,](mailto:aromney@zeislaw.com) [swenthen@zeislaw.com](mailto:swenthen@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Aaron Romney on behalf of Interested Party Mei Guo [aromney@zeislaw.com,](mailto:aromney@zeislaw.com) [swenthen@zeislaw.com](mailto:swenthen@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Aaron Romney on behalf of Plaintiff HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [aromney@zeislaw.com,](mailto:aromney@zeislaw.com) [swenthen@zeislaw.com](mailto:swenthen@zeislaw.com)**\n\n**Scott D. Rosen on behalf of Attorney Cohn Birnbaum & Shea, P.C. [srosen@cb-shea.com,](mailto:srosen@cb-shea.com) [msullivan@cbshealaw.com;dtempera@cbshealaw.com](mailto:msullivan@cbshealaw.com;dtempera@cbshealaw.com)**\n\n**Thomas J. Sansone on behalf of Attorney Michael S. Weinstein [tsansone@carmodylaw.com](mailto:tsansone@carmodylaw.com)**\n\n**Thomas J. Sansone on behalf of Creditor Chong Shen Raphanella [tsansone@carmodylaw.com](mailto:tsansone@carmodylaw.com)**\n\n**Thomas J. Sansone on behalf of Creditor Rong Zhang [tsansone@carmodylaw.com](mailto:tsansone@carmodylaw.com)**\n\n**Thomas J. Sansone on behalf of Creditor Xiaodan Wang [tsansone@carmodylaw.com](mailto:tsansone@carmodylaw.com)**\n\n**Thomas J. Sansone on behalf of Plaintiff Chong Shen Raphanella [tsansone@carmodylaw.com](mailto:tsansone@carmodylaw.com)**\n\n**Thomas J. Sansone on behalf of Plaintiff Rong Zhang [tsansone@carmodylaw.com](mailto:tsansone@carmodylaw.com)**\n\n**Thomas J. Sansone on behalf of Plaintiff Xiaodan Wang [tsansone@carmodylaw.com](mailto:tsansone@carmodylaw.com)**\n\n**Stuart M. Sarnoff on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [ssarnoff@omm.com,](mailto:ssarnoff@omm.com) [stuart-sarnoff-1059@ecf.pacerpro.com](mailto:stuart-sarnoff-1059@ecf.pacerpro.com)**\n\n**Stuart M. Sarnoff on behalf of Plaintiff Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [ssarnoff@omm.com,](mailto:ssarnoff@omm.com) [stuart-sarnoff-1059@ecf.pacerpro.com](mailto:stuart-sarnoff-1059@ecf.pacerpro.com)**\n\n**David M.S. Shaiken on behalf of Defendant Bravo Luck Limited [david@shipmanlawct.com](mailto:david@shipmanlawct.com)**\n\n**David M.S. Shaiken on behalf of Interested Party Bravo Luck Limited [david@shipmanlawct.com](mailto:david@shipmanlawct.com)**\n\n**Douglas S. Skalka on behalf of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins [dskalka@npmlaw.com,](mailto:dskalka@npmlaw.com) [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Douglas S. Skalka on behalf of Counter-Claimant Luc A. Despins [dskalka@npmlaw.com,](mailto:dskalka@npmlaw.com) [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Douglas S. Skalka on behalf of Debtor Genever Holdings Corporation [dskalka@npmlaw.com,](mailto:dskalka@npmlaw.com) [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Douglas S. Skalka on behalf of Debtor Genever Holdings LLC [dskalka@npmlaw.com,](mailto:dskalka@npmlaw.com) [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Douglas S. Skalka on behalf of Defendant Luc A. Despins [dskalka@npmlaw.com,](mailto:dskalka@npmlaw.com) [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Douglas S. Skalka on behalf of Plaintiff-Intervenor Luc A. Despins [dskalka@npmlaw.com,](mailto:dskalka@npmlaw.com) [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net](mailto:smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net)**\n\n**Jeffrey M. Sklarz on behalf of Interested Party BakerHostetler [jsklarz@gs-lawfirm.com,](mailto:jsklarz@gs-lawfirm.com) [aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs](mailto:aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs-lawfirm.com;jsklarz@ecf.courtdrive.com)[lawfirm.com;jsklarz@ecf.courtdrive.com](mailto:aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs-lawfirm.com;jsklarz@ecf.courtdrive.com)**\n\n**Annecca H. Smith on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [asmith@rc.com](mailto:asmith@rc.com)**\n\n**Annecca H. Smith on behalf of Plaintiff Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [asmith@rc.com](mailto:asmith@rc.com)**\n\n**John Troy on behalf of Interested Party Troy Law, PLLC [johntroy@troypllc.com](mailto:johntroy@troypllc.com)**\n\n**Tiffany Troy on behalf of Creditor Troy Law, PLLC [troylegalpllc@gmail.com,](mailto:troylegalpllc@gmail.com) [troylaw@troypllc.com](mailto:troylaw@troypllc.com)**\n\n**Stephen G. Walko on behalf of Interested Party Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara LLC [swalko@ibolaw.com](mailto:swalko@ibolaw.com)**\n\n**Michael S. Weinstein on behalf of Creditor Chong Shen Raphanella [mweinstein@golenbock.com](mailto:mweinstein@golenbock.com)**\n\n**Michael S. Weinstein on behalf of Creditor Rong Zhang [mweinstein@golenbock.com](mailto:mweinstein@golenbock.com)**\n\n**Michael S. Weinstein on behalf of Creditor Xiaodan Wang [mweinstein@golenbock.com](mailto:mweinstein@golenbock.com)**\n\n**Jay Marshall Wolman on behalf of Creditor Logan Cheng [jmw@randazza.com,](mailto:jmw@randazza.com) [ecf-6898@ecf.pacerpro.com](mailto:ecf-6898@ecf.pacerpro.com)**\n\n**Jay Marshall Wolman on behalf of Plaintiff Logan Cheng [jmw@randazza.com,](mailto:jmw@randazza.com) [ecf-6898@ecf.pacerpro.com](mailto:ecf-6898@ecf.pacerpro.com)**\n\n**Peter J. Zarella on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Rui Ma [pzarella@mdmc-law.com](mailto:pzarella@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Peter J. Zarella on behalf of 20 Largest Creditor Weican Meng [pzarella@mdmc-law.com](mailto:pzarella@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n**Peter J. Zarella on behalf of Creditor Zheng Wu [pzarella@mdmc-law.com](mailto:pzarella@mdmc-law.com)**\n\n/s/ Holley L. Claiborn Holley L. Claiborn","body_zh":"美国破产法院 康涅狄格州联邦地区 布里奇波特分部\n\n________________________________________________________________________________\n\n关于第11章案件\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人，[1] 案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。 合并管理\n美国联邦受托人就债务人撤换第11章受托人动议提交的初步答复\n\n第二区美国联邦受托人 William K. Harrington（威廉·K·哈林顿）（“美国联邦受托人”）通过其律师，就债务人 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“债务人”）通过其律师提交的《撤换第11章受托人动议》（ECF 1274）（“撤换动议”）提交本初步答复；该动议请求依据 11 U.S.C. § 324（“第324条”）撤换 Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）作为债务人案件的第11章受托人。撤换动议依照本院的争议事项程序提交，该程序要求于 January 13, 2023 前提交初步答复/异议。由于撤换动议的实体理由尚未通过证据加以审查或考虑，美国联邦受托人的答复为初步答复，重点在于提供债务人案件的部分背景和情况，以及适用于第324条下撤换动议的标准。\n\n一、背景\n\n1. Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵），又名 Wengui Guo（郭文贵），又名 Miles Guo（郭文贵），又名 Miles Kwok（郭文贵）（“债务人”和/或“Kwok”）[2]，于 February 15, 2022 提交了一份自愿第11章申请（“申请书”）。ECF 1。债务人聘请 Brown Rudnick LLP（布朗·拉德尼克律师事务所）（“Brown Rudnick”）担任其第11章律师，并向 Brown Rudnick 支付了 \\$1 million 预付聘金。见 ECF 54；ECF 86；ECF 77 第17页；ECF 78 第20页；以及 ECF 293。\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（亦称 Guo Wengui（郭文贵）、Miles Guo（郭文贵）和 Miles Kwok（郭文贵），以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号后四位：9595；案号 22-50073）、Genever Holdings LLC（杰尼弗控股有限责任公司）（税务识别号后四位：8202；案号 22-50592）及 Genever Holdings Corporation（杰尼弗控股公司）（案号 22-50542）。2 债务人亦以多个其他别名为人所知。\n\n2. 债务人在纽约州法院 PAX 诉讼[3]中 February 2022 藐视法庭裁决作出仅数日后，并在支付期限届满前夕提交其第11章案件；该裁决因债务人未能将名为 Lady May（“Lady May”号游艇）的游艇返还至纽约管辖范围内，而判令债务人向债权人 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P.（太平洋联盟亚洲机遇基金有限合伙企业）（“PAX”）支付 \\$134,000,000 的藐视法庭裁决金。于 March 1, 2022，PAX 提交解除自动中止动议，请求获准恢复 PAX 诉讼，以推进返还 Lady May 的工作。ECF 57。\n\n3. 于 March 19, 2022，美国联邦受托人提交动议，请求作出命令，指示任命一名审查员，或作为替代方案任命一名第11章受托人（“UST审查员/受托人动议”）。ECF 102。\n\n4. 于 March 21, 2022，美国联邦受托人在本案中任命了无担保债权人正式委员会（“委员会”）。ECF 108。\n\n5. 于 March 22, 2022，债务人提交融资动议，请求向 Golden Spring New York Ltd.（金泉纽约有限公司）（“Golden Spring”）借款 \\$8 million dollars；该实体据称由债务人的儿子 Qiang Guo（郭强）所有（“DIP融资动议”）。ECF 117。债务人主张其对 Golden Spring 不拥有任何所有权权益或控制权，但 Golden Spring 过去曾——据称未获偿还——向债务人赠与资金，以支付其全部生活费用，并且还曾向债务人出借资金和/或支付其诉讼费用。见 ECF 77，附表D。\n\n6. 于 April 6, 2022，PAX，即债务人最大的无担保债权人，提交驳回动议，或作为替代方案，就任命第11章受托人的救济部分部分加入 UST审查员/受托人动议（“PAX驳回动议”）。ECF 183。\n\n7. 于 April 6, 2022，债务人提交对 UST审查员/受托人动议的反对意见，反对任命第11章受托人。ECF 180。\n\n3 本文中使用但未定义的首字母大写术语，应具有 UST审查员/受托人动议中规定的含义。ECF 102。\n\n8. 于 May 11, 2022，债务人同意驳回其案件，并撤回 DIP融资动议。ECF 344 和 345。\n\n9. 于 May 25, 2022，本院就 PAX驳回动议和 UST审查员/受托人动议举行听证。\n\n10. 于 June 15, 2022，本院作出命令，指示美国联邦受托人在债务人的破产案件中任命一名无利害关系受托人（“受托人命令”）。ECF 465。\n\n任命 Luc A. Despins 为第11章受托人及债务人对此提出的反对\n\n11. 于 July 7, 2022，美国联邦受托人提交其任命 Paul Hastings LLP（宝盛律师事务所）（“PH”）的 Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）担任第11章受托人的任命通知（ECF 514），以及依据 11 U.S.C. §1104(d) 批准任命 Luc A. Despins 的申请（ECF 515）（“申请”）。Luc A. Despins 的无利害关系声明作为申请的一部分提交（“原始声明”）。在 July 8, 2022 举行听证后，本院准许该申请（“批准受托人命令”）。ECF 523。[4]\n\n12. 于 July 11, 2022，律师 Aaron Mitchell（亚伦·米切尔）提交作为债务人律师的出庭通知，并提交一封反对任命受托人 Despins 的信函（“Mitchell信函异议”）。ECF 530 和 531。\n\n13. 于 July 12, 2022，受托人 Despins 提交申请，请求聘用 PH 担任其第11章受托人律师（“PH聘用申请”），并提交动议，请求就 PH聘用申请举行加速听证。ECF 539 和 541。[5]\n\n14. 于 July 13, 2022，Brown Rudnick 提交动议，请求退出担任债务人律师（“退出动议”）。ECF 543。\n\n4 在 July 8 听证会上，律师 Despins 当庭宣布其将提交补充披露，并说明了额外披露的性质（“补充披露”）。债务人的律师（Brown Rudnick）、委员会、PAX 及某些其他债权人均出席了听证会，且没有任何一方以律师 Despins 不具备任职能力或并非无利害关系人为由反对任命律师 Despins。\n\n5 于 July 12, 2022，受托人 Despins 正式提交补充披露，说明其此前未曾亲自代理与 PAX 有关联的任何实体，且 PH 此前曾代理与 PAX 具有相同母实体的某些实体（“July 12补充披露”）。ECF 538。July 12补充披露与 July 8 听证会上的补充披露一致。\n\n15. 于 July 14, 2022，债务人通过 Z&Z（Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C.（泽斯勒与泽斯勒律师事务所））[6]，亦就以加速方式审理 PH聘用申请提交异议。ECF 554。\n\n16. 于 July 15, 2022，债务人通过 Z&Z 提交动议，请求依据 Rule 60b/Rule 9024 获得救济，以撤销任命受托人 Despins 为第11章受托人的决定（“撤销动议”）。ECF 561。撤销动议主张，除其他事项外，PH 与 Peoples Republic of China（中华人民共和国）（“China”）、Chinese Communist Party（中国共产党）（“CCP”）及“其国有和控制实体”之间存在重大关系。撤销动议第 ¶ 2 段。\n\n17. 于 July 22, 2022，Z&Z 律师发出关于受托人 Despins、PH、PAX 及与 PAX 有关联实体的信息和文件请求/传票。[7] 受托人 Despins 提交动议，请求撤销债务人发出的取证请求（ECF 608），债务人则提交异议作为回应（ECF 641）。\n\n18. 于 July 26, 2022，受托人 Despins 提交支持 PH聘用申请的补充声明。ECF 612。\n\n19. 于 July 27, 2022，美国联邦受托人、委员会、PAX 及各债权人提交对撤销动议的答复。ECF 615、618、621 和 628。同于 July 27, 2022，债务人提交对 PH聘用申请的异议。ECF 622。\n\n20. 于 July 28, 2022，受托人 Despins 提交无利害关系补充声明。ECF 633。\n\n6 自 April 2022 起，Z&Z 律师即参与本案；当时 Stephen Kindseth（斯蒂芬·金德塞斯）和 Aaron Romney（亚伦·罗姆尼）提交出庭通知，担任下列人士的律师：(a) Hong Kong International Funds Investments (USA) Limited LLC（香港国际基金投资（美国）有限责任公司）（“HKI”）（Lady May 的据称所有人）；以及 (b) Mei Guo（郭美）（债务人的女儿，HKI 的据称所有人）。ECF 201、202、339 和 340。Z&Z 的 John Cesaroni（约翰·切萨罗尼）亦已作为 Guo 女士的律师出庭。ECF 341。于 July 14, 2022，Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C. 的四（4）名律师作为债务人的律师提交出庭通知，即 Eric Henzy（埃里克·亨齐）、Stephen Kindseth、Aaron Romney 及 John Cesaroni。ECF 550、551、552 和 553。于 July 20, 2022，Z&Z 的 James Moriarty（詹姆斯·莫里亚蒂）亦已作为债务人的律师出庭。ECF 574。\n\n7 Z&Z 的取证请求如下：(a) Z&Z 向受托人 Despins 发出信函，请求进一步了解 PH 和受托人 Despins 与 UBS（瑞银集团）及 UBS 关联方之间的关系；(b) Z&Z 向 PH 送达文件传票，请求提供下列信息和文件：(i) 关于受托人遴选程序，特别是就 Mitchell信函异议作进一步跟进；(ii) 关于 PH 在中国的客户身份，即属于“国有实体”或“中共官员”的客户，以及来自该等客户的报酬；(iii) 关于 PH 与 UBS 及 UBS 关联方之间的关系；(iv) 关于由 PH 代理的 PAG（太盟集团）实体及 PH 从该等实体收取的报酬；(v) 关于准许 PH 经营其在北京、香港及上海办公室的 PH 许可证、证书或其他授权；(vi) 关于 PH 从其在中国和香港的所有办公室取得的收入；以及 (vii) 关于受托人 Despins 和/或 PH 与任何其他人之间的通信，涉及“(a) 债务人与中国政府或中国共产党相对立的利益，或 (b) 该等相对立利益是否以任何方式影响 Despins 或 Paul Hastings 是否为无利害关系人这一问题”；以及 (c) Z&Z 向 PAX 发出书面质询，请求确认自 2017 年以来 PH 向“任何 PAG实体”提供服务的所有事项，以及就该等事项向 PH 支付的费用金额。\n\n21. 于 August 1, 2022，本院就撤销动议、PH聘用申请、退出动议及其他事项举行听证。ECF 658、659、660、661、662、663、664 和 665。通过日期为 August 2, 2022 的命令，本院驳回撤销动议（“驳回撤销动议命令”）。ECF 667。此外，通过日期为 August 2, 2022 的命令，本院批准退出动议和 PH聘用申请。ECF 666 和 668。\n\n22. 于 August 9, 2022，债务人就驳回撤销动议命令提交上诉。ECF 711。于 August 10, 2022 提交经修正的上诉通知。ECF 715。该上诉仅限于质疑驳回撤销动议命令中载明的部分，即：“[a]lthough the Debtor did not seek to terminate the appointment of the Chapter 11 Trustee under 11 U.S.C. § 1105 or remove the Chapter 11 Trustee under 11 U.S.C. § 324, no grounds exist to terminate the appointment of Chapter 11 Trustee or remove the Chapter 11 Trustee appointed in the Debtor's case.” ECF 715。\n\n23. 对驳回撤销动议命令的上诉目前正在 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格州联邦地区美国联邦地区法院）审理，案名为 Kwok v. Despins, et al (In re Kwok), 3:22-cv-1019 (KAD)（“上诉”）。上诉中的书面陈述于本周结束。未实施上诉待决期间的中止。\n\n受托人 Despins 的调查及债务人的行为\n\n24. 自Despins受托人（Trustee Despins）被任命以来，其一直积极调查债务人的财务事务及资产。债务人几乎在每一个机会都反对、质疑并批评Despins受托人为获取信息及主张对债务人资产控制权所作的努力。第11章案件的案卷目前包含超过1200项登记（因此不易概述），并列举了大量实例，显示债务人不配合调查，并试图阻碍Despins受托人获取有关债务人资产及财务事务的信息和文件。\n\n25. 债务人目前是Despins受托人于October 14, 2022提出的待决民事藐视法庭动议的对象（ECF 913），理由是债务人未遵守本院于August 10, 2022作出的命令（ECF 717）（“公司治理命令”（Corporate Governance Order））。[8]\n\n26. 债务人目前是在PAX（PAX）对其提起、并由Despins受托人作为原告加入的禁令对抗程序中的被告；该程序请求作出命令，禁止债务人在互联网或以其他方式发布旨在骚扰或恐吓PAX、其人员及律师，以及Despins受托人、其家人及其律师的信息、视频或其他通信。参见Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P.（太平洋联盟亚洲机会基金，有限合伙）v. Kwok（郭文贵）, Adversary Proceeding 22-5032（“禁令对抗程序”（Injunction Adversary））。\n\n27. 在禁令对抗程序中，本院于November 23, 2022签发临时限制令（“TRO”）。参见禁令对抗程序中的ECF 26。[9]\n\n28. 此后，于November 30, 2022，PAX和Despins受托人在禁令对抗程序中提出动议，请求因债务人违反TRO而认定其构成民事藐视法庭（“TRO藐视法庭动议”（TRO Contempt Motion））。参见禁令对抗程序中的ECF 40、41、114和119。TRO藐视法庭动议仍在审理中。\n\n29. 债务人随后通过新任律师David Wachen（大卫·瓦肯）和Jeffrey Hellman（杰弗里·赫尔曼），在禁令对抗程序中就初步禁令及TRO藐视法庭动议提交了反对意见。参见禁令对抗程序中的ECF 58、112。\n\n8 债务人已就公司治理命令（ECF 723）提起上诉，该上诉目前在United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格联邦地区法院）审理，案名为Kwok v. Despins, et al (In re Kwok), 3:22-cv-1028 (KAD)（“公司治理命令上诉”（Corporate Governance Order Appeal））。尽管债务人请求在上诉期间中止执行（ECF 761），且本院于August 31, 2022审议了该动议，本院尚未作出中止执行命令，该中止执行动议仍在待裁定中。ECF 761及August 31, 2022的案卷登记。公司治理命令上诉的书面陈述于本周结束。\n\n9 TRO暂时禁止债务人从事下列行为：“(1) 在网上发布有关第11章受托人Luc Despins（卢克·德斯平斯）（“受托人”）、PAX或PAG（PAG）的高级职员或雇员、受托人或PAX的律师，以及其各自任何亲属的虚假及骚扰性材料；(2) 在网上公布受托人、PAX的管理人PAG的主席Shan Weijian（单伟建）、PAX或PAG的其他高级职员及雇员，以及其各自亲属的住址和其他个人信息（包括识别亲属的雇主）；以及(3) 鼓励、煽动、建议或直接或间接资助在受托人、PAX或PAG的高级职员或雇员、受托人或PAX的律师，以及其各自任何亲属（包括前配偶）的住所或办公室举行抗议。”同上。TRO进一步“暂时禁止以任何方式干扰其第11章案件、Genever Holdings, LLC（Genever Holdings有限责任公司）的第11章案件及Genever Holdings Corporation（Genever Holdings公司）的第11章案件的完整性；该等案件已由本院合并管理，包括实施任何威胁或鼓励他人威胁受托人、PAX或PAG的高级职员或雇员、受托人或PAX的律师，以及其各自任何亲属（包括前配偶）安全的行为，及／或指示或鼓励他人实施该等行为。”同上。此外，TRO要求债务人“删除所有现有社交媒体帖子，该等帖子(i)含有受托人、PAX或PAG高级职员或雇员、受托人或PAX的律师，以及其各自任何亲属（包括前配偶）的个人信息；及(ii)鼓励、煽动或建议针对受托人、任何PAX或[sic] PAG高级职员或雇员、受托人或PAX的律师，以及其各自任何亲属（包括前配偶）进行抗议、骚扰、人肉搜索或类似行为。”同上。\n\n30. 于December 2022，本院在禁令对抗程序中就初步禁令请求举行了为期多日的证据听证会。根据日期为December 7, 2022的命令，本院将TRO延长至就初步禁令作出裁定时止。参见禁令对抗程序中的ECF 80。[10]\n\n10 于January 5, 2023，债务人就TRO提交上诉通知。参见禁令对抗程序中的ECF 123。\n\n31. 于January 11, 2023（其后经于January 13, 2023登记的更正予以修改），本院作出决定备忘录（“一月初步禁令决定”（January PI Decision）），并对债务人及第三方签发初步禁令命令（“初步禁令命令”（Preliminary Injunction Order））。参见禁令对抗程序中的ECF 128、129、133和134。[11]\n\n11 初步禁令命令对债务人及其他人施加多项限制，禁止(a)在特定范围内进行抗议、纠察、游行，或展示、散发骚扰性材料（“行为”），以及(b)通过任何形式的通信，包括但不限于社交媒体，鼓励、煽动、建议或直接或间接资助该行为。初步禁令命令还指示债务人“删除其使用或控制的账户上所有现有社交媒体帖子，包括但不限于曾使用@Miles、@MilesGuo及@MilesGuoLive用户名的Gettr账户中的帖子，该等帖子(a)含有第11章受托人、PAX或其关联公司的高级职员或雇员、第11章受托人或PAX或其关联公司的律师，以及其各自任何亲属（包括前配偶）的住址和其他个人信息（包括就亲属而言，其亲属的雇主）；及／或(b)鼓励、煽动或建议本命令第1段及／或第2段所禁止的任何活动。”此外，初步禁令命令禁止债务人“以任何方式干扰其第11章案件、Genever Holdings, LLC的第11章案件及Genever Holdings Corporation的第11章案件的完整性；该等案件已由本院合并管理，包括实施任何威胁或鼓励他人威胁第11章受托人、PAX或其关联公司的高级职员或雇员、第11章受托人或PAX的律师，以及其各自任何亲属（包括前配偶）安全的行为，及／或指示或鼓励他人实施该等行为。”参见禁令对抗程序中的ECF 134。\n\n32. 一月初步禁令决定载有关于债务人行为及其阻碍Despins受托人调查之努力的认定，并最终认定债务人实施了“使重整程序尴尬、加重负担、延误或以其他方式阻碍重整程序”的行为。参见ECF 133第43页；另尤其参见第37—39页、第41—42页。\n\n33. 在此背景下，于December 30, 2022，债务人提交撤换动议（Motion to Remove），请求作出命令，将Despins受托人从其第11章受托人职务中撤换。\n\n撤换动议\n\n34. 撤换动议对Despins受托人被任命以来债务人案件的进展提出多项批评。其中，债务人批评Despins受托人为向与债务人有关的第三方获取证据开示所作的努力、该等努力的成本，以及Despins受托人不愿屈从于债务人关于在就案件进行全球性解决方案谈判期间限制及／或缩减其调查的请求。撤换动议的主要重点似乎是，Despins受托人应被撤换，因为其据称不会同意按债务人主张对债务人及某些债权人可接受的条件达成和解。参见撤换动议第8—11页。\n\n35. 撤换动议还主张，Despins受托人在据称的和解讨论中违反了Connecticut Rule of Professional Conduct 3.4(7)，即其据称为在第11章案件中取得优势而以刑事指控相威胁；债务人继而主张，该行为“对破产财产造成了实际损害”，因而构成撤换理由。参见撤换动议第15—17页。\n\nII. 答复\n\n《破产法典》第324条规定受托人的撤换。“法院在通知及听证后，可以因事由撤换受托人，但美国受托人除外。”11 U.S.C. § 324(a)。“法典未对事由作出定义，法院必须根据个案情形予以确定。”In re Lundborg, 110 B.R. 106, 108 (Bankr. D. Conn. 1990, Shiff, J.); Cole v. Rescia (In re Cole), 2022 WL 4536830, *9 (D. Conn. September 22, 2022)。撤换受托人属于极端措施。In re Lundborg 110 B.R. 106, 108, (Bankr. D. Conn. 1990)。而且，由于撤换受托人属于极端救济，受托人行使适当酌处权范围内且不构成任何类型不当行为的行为，不能被认定为撤换受托人的事由。参见In re Consolidated Industries, 330 B.R. 712, 715 (Bankr. N.D. Ind. 2005)（认定受托人未提起诉讼是对其商业判断的适当行使，因此不构成撤换事由）。“业已确立，‘事由’可包括受托人无能、违反受托人的信义义务、不当行为或未履行受托人职责，或者缺乏无利害关系性或持有与破产财产利益相冲突的利益。”In re AFI Holding, Inc., 530 F.3d 832, 845 (9th Cir. 2008)。\n\n第二巡回法院指出，“[在界定撤换的]‘事由’时，[我们]历来强调欺诈和对债务人利益造成实际损害的要素。”Dieffenbach v. Haworth (In re Haworth), 365 Fed. Appx. 529, 530 (2d. Cir 2009)（引文省略；引证省略）。事由必须有具体事实支持，寻求撤换的一方负有证明责任。In re AFI Holding, Inc., 530 F.3d at 845。受托人“就其选择管理破产财产资产的方法，包括其关于资产是否值得变现以及是否值得推进诉讼的决定，被赋予广泛的权限和酌处权。”In re Carvalho, 578 B.R. 1, 11 (Bankr. D. D.C. 2017)。如果受托人行使商业判断具有酌处性且在当时情形下属合理，撤换即无正当理由。Id.（引证省略）。此外，法院应考虑，因撤换受托人而必须变更管理，是否会损害破产财产的管理。参见，例如，In re Freeport Italian Bakery, Inc., 340 F.2d 50, 55 (2d Cir. 1965)。第324条“是一项强有力的工具，仅应在最严重的案件中适用。”In re Belmonte, 524 B.R. 17, 28 (Bankr. E.D.N.Y. 2015)。“寻求撤换受托人的一方必须作出有力证明，因为撤换会对破产财产管理的连续性造成有害影响。”In re Empire State Conglomerates, Inc., 546 B.R. 306, 317 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.2016)（援引Matter of Carla Leather, Inc., 44 B.R. 457, 473 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1984), aff'd, 50 B.R. 764 (S.D.N.Y.1985)）。因此，“只有在破产财产管理因现任受托人所造成的不和而遭受的损害，大于因变更管理所遭受的损害时，方应行使撤换权。”In re Concept Packaging Corp., 7 B.R. 607, 609 (Bankr.S.D.N.Y.1980)（引述Freeport Italian Bakery, Inc., 340 F.2d at 55）。\n\n债务人负有证明存在充分依据将Despins受托人（Luc A. Despins，吕克·A·德斯潘）从债务人破产财产的第11章受托人职务中免职的举证责任。然而，免职动议在很大程度上以Despins受托人不接受债务人的和解提议为前提；债务人声称，该提议为某些债权人所接受。\n\n与此相反，1月初步禁令裁定认定Despins受托人“并不反对在本案中达成和解”，并确认Despins受托人“对PAX以及尚未提交债权证明的债权人以外的其他债权人负有信义义务”。见ECF 133，第39页。1月初步禁令裁定还指出，Despins受托人正在从事其被任命从事的工作[12]——调查债务人的资产和财务事务——但“在程序的每一步都遭到反对”，并且“任何替代受托人均须重新开始，并且很可能在获任后立即面临债务人的反对，正如第11章受托人自其获任以来所面临的情形一样。”见ECF 133，第38、42页。\n\n对于第11章案件应如何推进或解决存在不同意见和争议，乃属自然现象，但鲜少构成法院免除受托人的依据。实际上，证明免职适当的举证责任很重——而免职动议的内容似乎并未满足该举证责任，因为对受托人就和解所作商业判断提出质疑，并不符合免除受托人所必需的高标准。\n\n如上所述，受托人在管理破产财产时被赋予广泛的权限和裁量空间，以行使其商业判断和自由裁量权，包括但不限于评估潜在和解的条款，以及进行证据开示以调查债务人的事务。此外，证明应予免职的举证责任很重。本案中，免职动议提出的指控远未达到该高标准。因此，应驳回免职动议。\n\n12 免职动议批评Despins受托人不愿在其调查中“收手”并将重点转向和解。1月初步禁令裁定指出，调查正是Despins受托人应当从事的工作：“尽管债务人的破产律师作证称，其曾多次要求第11章受托人‘收手’，但法院任命第11章受托人，正是为了履行该等信义义务。”ECF 133，第39页。\n\n日期：January 13, 2023                                          谨此提交，\n\nNew Haven, CT                                        WILLIAM K. HARRINGTON（威廉·K·哈林顿）\n                                                     Region 2（第2区）美国受托人\n\n                                                     签署人：/s/ Holley L. Claiborn\n                                                     Holley L. Claiborn（霍莉·L·克莱伯恩）\n                                                     审判律师\n                                                     美国受托人办公室\n                                                     Giaimo Federal Building, Room 302\n                                                     150 Court Street\n                                                     New Haven, CT 06510\n                                                     Holley.L.Claiborn@usdoj.gov\n                                                     (203) 773-2210\n                                                     联邦律师编号：ct17216 (Connecticut)\n\n送达证明\n\n兹证明，前述文件副本已于January 13, 2023通过本法院维护的电子案件提交系统，按下文所示向以下列明的所有当事人送达：\n\nLaura Aronsson（劳拉·阿伦松）代表20大债权人Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P.（太平洋联盟亚洲机会基金有限合伙）[laronsson@omm.com]\n\nLaura Aronsson代表原告Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [laronsson@omm.com]\n\nTristan G. Axelrod（特里斯坦·G·阿克塞尔罗德）代表债权人Brown Rudnick LLP（布朗·鲁德尼克律师事务所）[taxelrod@brownrudnick.com]\n\nTristan G. Axelrod代表债权人Verdolino & Lowey, P.C.（维尔多利诺及洛伊律师事务所）[taxelrod@brownrudnick.com]\n\nWilliam R. Baldiga（威廉·R·巴尔迪加）代表债权人Brown Rudnick LLP [wbaldiga@brownrudnick.com]\n\nWilliam R. Baldiga代表被告Kwok Ho Wan（郭文贵）[wbaldiga@brownrudnick.com]\n\nKellianne Baranowsky（凯莉安娜·巴拉诺夫斯基）代表利害关系方BakerHostetler（贝克·霍斯特特勒律师事务所）[kbaranowsky@gs-lawfirm.com,] [aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;kbaranowsky@ecf.courtdrive.com]\n\nDouglass E. Barron（道格拉斯·E·巴伦）代表第11章受托人Luc A. Despins（吕克·A·德斯潘）[douglassbarron@paulhastings.com]\n\nNicholas A. Bassett（尼古拉斯·A·巴塞特）代表第11章受托人Luc A. Despins [nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com,] [jonathonkosciewicz@paulhastings.com;lucdespins@paulhastings.com;alexbongartz@paulhastings.com] [;ezrasutton@paulhastings.com;douglassbarron@paulhastings.com;ecf.frg@paulhastings.com;aviluft@paulhastings.com]\n\nPatrick M. Birney（帕特里克·M·伯尼）代表20大债权人Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pbirney@rc.com,] [ctrivigno@rc.com]\n\nPatrick M. Birney代表债权人Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pbirney@rc.com,] [ctrivigno@rc.com]\n\nPatrick M. Birney代表原告Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pbirney@rc.com,] [ctrivigno@rc.com]\n\nChristopher H. Blau（克里斯托弗·H·布劳）代表利害关系方HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC（香港国际基金投资〔美国〕有限责任公司）[cblau@zeislaw.com]\n\nG. Alexander Bongartz（G·亚历山大·邦加茨）代表第11章受托人Luc A. Despins [alexbongartz@paulhastings.com]\n\nCarollynn H.G. Callari（卡罗琳·H.G.·卡拉里）代表20大债权人Rui Ma（马蕊）[ccallari@callaripartners.com]\n\nCarollynn H.G. Callari代表20大债权人Weican Meng（孟维灿）[ccallari@callaripartners.com]\n\nCarollynn H.G. Callari代表债权人Zheng Wu（吴征）[ccallari@callaripartners.com]\n\nDaniel Cantor（丹尼尔·坎托）代表原告Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [dcantor@omm.com]\n\nJohn L. Cesaroni（约翰·L·切萨罗尼）代表反诉被告HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com]\n\nJohn L. Cesaroni代表反诉被告Mei Guo（郭美）[jcesaroni@zeislaw.com]\n\nJohn L. Cesaroni代表债务人Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）[jcesaroni@zeislaw.com]\n\nJohn L. Cesaroni代表被告Ho Wan Kwok [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com]\n\nJohn L. Cesaroni代表被告Ho Wan Kwok [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com]\n\nJohn L. Cesaroni代表利害关系方HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com]\n\nJohn L. Cesaroni代表利害关系方Mei Guo [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com]\n\nJohn L. Cesaroni代表原告HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jcesaroni@zeislaw.com]\n\nScott M. Charmoy（斯科特·M·沙尔莫伊）代表利害关系方HCHK Property Management, Inc.（HCHK物业管理公司）[scottcharmoy@charmoy.com,] [ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com]\n\nScott M. Charmoy代表利害关系方HCHK Technologies, Inc.（HCHK科技公司）[scottcharmoy@charmoy.com,] [ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com]\n\nScott M. Charmoy代表利害关系方Lexington Property and Staffing, Inc.（列克星敦物业与人力服务公司）[scottcharmoy@charmoy.com,] [ecf-3ae5beb98d9b@ecf.pacerpro.com;charmoysr97992@notify.bestcase.com]\n\nHolley L. Claiborn代表美国受托人U. S. Trustee [holley.l.claiborn@usdoj.gov]\n\nSamuel Bryant Davidoff（塞缪尔·布莱恩特·达维多夫）代表利害关系方Williams & Connolly LLP（威廉斯与康诺利律师事务所）[sdavidoff@wc.com]\n\nLuc A. Despins\n\n[lucdespins@paulhastings.com,] [matlaskowski@paulhastings.com;davidmohamed@paulhastings.com]\n\nLuc A. Despins代表第11章受托人Luc A. Despins [lucdespins@paulhastings.com,] [matlaskowski@paulhastings.com;davidmohamed@paulhastings.com]\n\nDavid S. Forsh（大卫·S·福什）代表20大债权人Rui Ma [dforsh@callaripartners.com]\n\nDavid S. Forsh代表20大债权人Weican Meng [dforsh@callaripartners.com]\n\nDavid S. Forsh代表债权人Zheng Wu [dforsh@callaripartners.com]\n\nPeter Friedman（彼得·弗里德曼）代表20大债权人Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pfriedman@omm.com]\n\nPeter Friedman代表原告Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [pfriedman@omm.com]\n\nTaruna Garg（塔鲁娜·加格）代表债权人The Sherry-Netherland, Inc.（谢里—荷兰公司）[tgarg@murthalaw.com,] [mgarcia@murthalaw.com]\n\nIrve J. Goldman（欧文·J·戈德曼）代表债权人委员会Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors（无担保债权人正式委员会）[igoldman@pullcom.com,] [rmccoy@pullcom.com]\n\nIrve J. Goldman代表债权人委员会Pullman & Comley, LLC（普尔曼与康利有限责任公司）[igoldman@pullcom.com,] [rmccoy@pullcom.com]\n\nEvan S. Goldstein（埃文·S·戈尔茨坦）代表利害关系方Greenwich Land, LLC（格林尼治土地有限责任公司）[egoldstein@uks.com]\n\nEvan S. Goldstein代表利害关系方Hing Chi Ngok（吴庆之）[egoldstein@uks.com]\n\nMia N. Gonzalez（米娅·N·冈萨雷斯）代表20大债权人Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [mgonzalez@omm.com]\n\nMia N. Gonzalez代表原告Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [mgonzalez@omm.com]\n\nJames C. Graham（詹姆斯·C·格雷厄姆）代表第11章受托人Luc A. Despins [jgraham@npmlaw.com,] [sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nJames C. Graham代表被告Luc A. Despins [jgraham@npmlaw.com,] [sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nJames C. Graham代表受托人Luc A. Despins [jgraham@npmlaw.com,] [sgibbons@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nLawrence S. Grossman（劳伦斯·S·格罗斯曼）代表利害关系方BakerHostetler [LGrossman@gs-lawfirm.com,] [aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;ngolino@gs-lawfirm.com;lawrencegrossman@ecf.courtdrive.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs-lawfirm.com]\n\nDavid V. Harbach, II（大卫·V·哈巴赫二世）代表20大债权人Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [dharbach@omm.com]\n\nDavid V. Harbach, II代表原告Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [dharbach@omm.com]\n\nJames J. Healy（詹姆斯·J·希利）代表利害关系方Williams & Connolly LLP [jhealy@cmdhlaw.com]\n\nJeffrey Hellman（杰弗里·赫尔曼）代表被告Ho Wan Kwok [jeff@jeffhellmanlaw.com,] [christen@jeffhellmanlaw.com]\n\nEric A. Henzy（埃里克·A·亨齐）代表债务人Ho Wan Kwok [ehenzy@zeislaw.com,] [cjervey@zeislaw.com]\n\nEric A. Henzy代表被告Ho Wan Kwok [ehenzy@zeislaw.com,] [cjervey@zeislaw.com]\n\nEric A. Henzy代表被告Ho Wan Kwok [ehenzy@zeislaw.com,] [cjervey@zeislaw.com]\n\nEric A. Henzy代表利害关系方HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [ehenzy@zeislaw.com,] [cjervey@zeislaw.com]\n\nJonathan Kaplan（乔纳森·卡普兰）代表债权人委员会Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors [jkaplan@pullcom.com,] [prulewicz@pullcom.com;rmccoy@pullcom.com]\n\nStephen M. Kindseth（斯蒂芬·M·金德塞思）代表债务人Ho Wan Kwok [skindseth@zeislaw.com,] [cjervey@zeislaw.com]\n\nStephen M. Kindseth代表利害关系方HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [skindseth@zeislaw.com,] [cjervey@zeislaw.com]\n\nStephen M. Kindseth代表利害关系方Mei Guo [skindseth@zeislaw.com,] [cjervey@zeislaw.com]\n\nNancy Bohan Kinsella（南希·博汉·金塞拉）代表原告参加人Luc A. Despins [nkinsella@npmlaw.com,] [moshea@npmlaw.com;smowery@npmlaw.com;npm.bankruptcy@gmail.com]\n\nFrancis J. Lawall（弗朗西斯·J·劳沃尔）代表被告Bravo Luck Limited（博裕有限公司）[susan.henry@troutman.com;marcy.smith@troutman.com]\n\nFrancis J. Lawall代表利害关系方Bravo Luck Limited [francis.lawallf@troutman.com,] [susan.henry@troutman.com;marcy.smith@troutman.com]\n\nAndrew V. Layden（安德鲁·V·莱登）代表利害关系方BakerHostetler [alayden@bakerlaw.com]\n\nPatrick R. Linsey（帕特里克·R·林西）代表第11章受托人Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,] [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nPatrick R. Linsey代表反诉原告Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,] [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nPatrick R. Linsey代表债务人Genever Holdings Corporation（Genever控股公司）[plinsey@npmlaw.com,] [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nPatrick R. Linsey代表被告Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,] [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nPatrick R. Linsey代表原告Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,] [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nPatrick R. Linsey代表原告参加人Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,] [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nPatrick R. Linsey代表受托人Luc A. Despins [plinsey@npmlaw.com,] [karguello@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nAvram Emmanuel Luft（亚伯拉姆·伊曼纽尔·卢夫特）代表第11章受托人Luc A. Despins [aviluft@paulhastings.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew（克里斯廷·B·梅休）代表二十大债权人之一 Rui Ma（马蕊）[kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew 代表二十大债权人之一 Weican Meng（孟维灿）[kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew 代表债权人委员会无担保债权人官方委员会（Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors）[kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew 代表债权人 Zheng Wu（吴征）[kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew 代表原告 Boxun Inc.（博讯公司）[kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew 代表原告 Rui Ma [kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew 代表原告 Weican (Watson) Meng（孟维灿〔沃森〕）[kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew 代表原告 Yang Lan（杨澜）[kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com]\n\nKristin B. Mayhew 代表原告 Zheng Wu [kmayhew@pullcom.com,] [kwarshauer@mdmc-law.com;bdangelo@mdmc-law.com] Danielle L. Merola（丹妮尔·L·梅罗拉）代表利害关系方 BakerHostetler（贝克·霍斯泰特勒律师事务所）[dmerola@bakerlaw.com]\n\nSherry J. Millman（雪莉·J·米尔曼）代表债权人 The Sherry-Netherland, Inc.（雪莉-尼德兰公司）[smillman@stroock.com]\n\nAaron A Mitchell（亚伦·A·米切尔）代表债务人 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）[aaron@lmesq.com]\n\nAaron A Mitchell 代表被告 Ho Wan Kwok [aaron@lmesq.com]\n\nJames M. Moriarty（詹姆斯·M·莫里亚蒂）代表反诉被告 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC（香港国际基金投资〔美国〕有限公司）[jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,] [cgregory@zeislaw.com]\n\nJames M. Moriarty 代表反诉被告 Mei Guo（郭美）[jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,] [cgregory@zeislaw.com]\n\nJames M. Moriarty 代表债务人 Ho Wan Kwok [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,] [cgregory@zeislaw.com]\n\nJames M. Moriarty 代表被告 Ho Wan Kwok [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,] [cgregory@zeislaw.com]\n\nJames M. Moriarty 代表被告 Ho Wan Kwok [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,] [cgregory@zeislaw.com]\n\nJames M. Moriarty 代表利害关系方 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,] [cgregory@zeislaw.com]\n\nJames M. Moriarty 代表利害关系方 Mei Guo [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,] [cgregory@zeislaw.com]\n\nJames M. Moriarty 代表原告 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [jmoriarty@zeislaw.com,] [cgregory@zeislaw.com]\n\nSara Pahlavan（萨拉·帕拉万）代表二十大债权人之一 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P.（太平洋联盟亚洲机会基金有限合伙企业）[spahlavan@omm.com]\n\nPatrick N. Petrocelli（帕特里克·N·彼得罗切利）代表债权人 The Sherry-Netherland, Inc. [ppetrocelli@stroock.com]\n\nLucas Bennett Rocklin（卢卡斯·贝内特·洛克林）代表第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins（吕克·A·德斯潘）[lrocklin@npmlaw.com,] [NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nAaron Romney（亚伦·罗姆尼）代表反诉被告 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [aromney@zeislaw.com,] [swenthen@zeislaw.com]\n\nAaron Romney 代表反诉被告 Mei Guo [aromney@zeislaw.com,] [swenthen@zeislaw.com]\n\nAaron Romney 代表债务人 Ho Wan Kwok [aromney@zeislaw.com,] [swenthen@zeislaw.com]\n\nAaron Romney 代表被告 Ho Wan Kwok [aromney@zeislaw.com,] [swenthen@zeislaw.com]\n\nAaron Romney 代表被告 Ho Wan Kwok [aromney@zeislaw.com,] [swenthen@zeislaw.com]\n\nAaron Romney 代表利害关系方 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [aromney@zeislaw.com,] [swenthen@zeislaw.com]\n\nAaron Romney 代表利害关系方 Mei Guo [aromney@zeislaw.com,] [swenthen@zeislaw.com]\n\nAaron Romney 代表原告 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC [aromney@zeislaw.com,] [swenthen@zeislaw.com]\n\nScott D. Rosen（斯科特·D·罗森）代表律师 Cohn Birnbaum & Shea, P.C.（科恩·伯恩鲍姆与谢伊律师事务所）[srosen@cb-shea.com,] [msullivan@cbshealaw.com;dtempera@cbshealaw.com]\n\nThomas J. Sansone（托马斯·J·桑索尼）代表律师 Michael S. Weinstein（迈克尔·S·温斯坦）[tsansone@carmodylaw.com]\n\nThomas J. Sansone 代表债权人 Chong Shen Raphanella（拉法内拉·钟申）[tsansone@carmodylaw.com]\n\nThomas J. Sansone 代表债权人 Rong Zhang（张蓉）[tsansone@carmodylaw.com]\n\nThomas J. Sansone 代表债权人 Xiaodan Wang（王晓丹）[tsansone@carmodylaw.com]\n\nThomas J. Sansone 代表原告 Chong Shen Raphanella [tsansone@carmodylaw.com]\n\nThomas J. Sansone 代表原告 Rong Zhang [tsansone@carmodylaw.com]\n\nThomas J. Sansone 代表原告 Xiaodan Wang [tsansone@carmodylaw.com]\n\nStuart M. Sarnoff（斯图尔特·M·萨诺夫）代表二十大债权人之一 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [ssarnoff@omm.com,] [stuart-sarnoff-1059@ecf.pacerpro.com]\n\nStuart M. Sarnoff 代表原告 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [ssarnoff@omm.com,] [stuart-sarnoff-1059@ecf.pacerpro.com]\n\nDavid M.S. Shaiken（大卫·M.S.·谢肯）代表被告 Bravo Luck Limited（布拉沃幸运有限公司）[david@shipmanlawct.com]\n\nDavid M.S. Shaiken 代表利害关系方 Bravo Luck Limited [david@shipmanlawct.com]\n\nDouglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）代表第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins [dskalka@npmlaw.com,] [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nDouglas S. Skalka 代表反诉原告 Luc A. Despins [dskalka@npmlaw.com,] [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nDouglas S. Skalka 代表债务人 Genever Holdings Corporation（杰内弗控股公司）[dskalka@npmlaw.com,] [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nDouglas S. Skalka 代表债务人 Genever Holdings LLC（杰内弗控股有限责任公司）[dskalka@npmlaw.com,] [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nDouglas S. Skalka 代表被告 Luc A. Despins [dskalka@npmlaw.com,] [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nDouglas S. Skalka 代表参加诉讼原告 Luc A. Despins [dskalka@npmlaw.com,] [smowery@npmlaw.com;NeubertPepeMonteithPC@jubileebk.net]\n\nJeffrey M. Sklarz（杰弗里·M·斯克拉兹）代表利害关系方 BakerHostetler [jsklarz@gs-lawfirm.com,] [aevans@gs-lawfirm.com;mbuckanavage@gs-lawfirm.com;eross@gs-lawfirm.com;jsklarz@ecf.courtdrive.com]\n\nAnnecca H. Smith（安妮卡·H·史密斯）代表二十大债权人之一 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [asmith@rc.com]\n\nAnnecca H. Smith 代表原告 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund L.P. [asmith@rc.com]\n\nJohn Troy（约翰·特洛伊）代表利害关系方 Troy Law, PLLC（特洛伊律师事务所）[johntroy@troypllc.com]\n\nTiffany Troy（蒂芙尼·特洛伊）代表债权人 Troy Law, PLLC [troylegalpllc@gmail.com,] [troylaw@troypllc.com]\n\nStephen G. Walko（斯蒂芬·G·沃尔科）代表利害关系方 Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara LLC（艾维、巴纳姆与奥马拉有限责任公司）[swalko@ibolaw.com]\n\nMichael S. Weinstein 代表债权人 Chong Shen Raphanella [mweinstein@golenbock.com]\n\nMichael S. Weinstein 代表债权人 Rong Zhang [mweinstein@golenbock.com]\n\nMichael S. Weinstein 代表债权人 Xiaodan Wang [mweinstein@golenbock.com]\n\nJay Marshall Wolman（杰伊·马歇尔·沃尔曼）代表债权人 Logan Cheng（程龙）[jmw@randazza.com,] [ecf-6898@ecf.pacerpro.com]\n\nJay Marshall Wolman 代表原告 Logan Cheng [jmw@randazza.com,] [ecf-6898@ecf.pacerpro.com]\n\nPeter J. Zarella（彼得·J·扎雷拉）代表二十大债权人之一 Rui Ma [pzarella@mdmc-law.com]\n\nPeter J. Zarella 代表二十大债权人之一 Weican Meng [pzarella@mdmc-law.com]\n\nPeter J. Zarella 代表债权人 Zheng Wu [pzarella@mdmc-law.com]\n\n/s/ Holley L. Claiborn（霍利·L·克莱伯恩） Holley L. Claiborn","key_entities":["Despins","Je","Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Guo","Miles Guo","HCHK","CCP","Chinese Communist Party","Paul Hastings","Luc Despins","GETTR"],"ecf_references":[{"doc_number":1,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":26,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":40,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":54,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":57,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":58,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":77,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":78,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":80,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":86,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":102,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":108,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":117,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":123,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":128,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":133,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":134,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":180,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":183,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":201,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":293,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":341,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":344,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":465,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":514,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":515,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":523,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":530,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":538,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":539,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":543,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":550,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":554,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":561,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":574,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":608,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":612,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":615,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":622,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":633,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":641,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":658,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":666,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":667,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":711,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":715,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":717,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":723,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":761,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":913,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":1274,"court":"CTB"}],"word_count":6036,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 20:33:46"}