{"id":"court_ctb_1589_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":1589,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","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| ------------------------------------------------------<br>x |        |                         |  |  |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------|--------|-------------------------|--|--|\n| In re:                                                      | :<br>: | Chapter 11              |  |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK et al.,                                         | :<br>: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |  |\n| Debtors.1                                                   | :<br>: | Jointly Administered    |  |  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------      | :<br>x |                         |  |  |\n\n## **MOTION TO EXPEDITE HEARING ON EMERGENCY MOTION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE FOR ENTRY OF ORDER MODIFYING REPAIR RESERVE ORDER**\n\nLuc Despins, in his capacity as the chapter 11 trustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the chapter 11 case of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\") by and through his undersigned counsel, pursuant to Rule 9006(c)(1) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\") hereby moves (the \"Motion to Expedite\") this Court for entry of an order scheduling an expedited hearing to consider and determine the *Emergency Motion of Chapter 11 Trustee for Entry of Order Modifying Repair Reserve Order* (the \"Motion to Modify\").2 In support of this Motion to Expedite, the Trustee respectfully states as follows:\n\n## **JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND STATUTORY BASIS**\n\n1. The Court has jurisdiction to consider this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157\n\nand 1334. This is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2).\n\n 1 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), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Motion to Expedite have the meanings set forth in the Motion to Modify.\n\n2. Venue in this District is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n3. The basis for the relief sought by this Motion to Expedite is Bankruptcy Rule 9006(c)(1).\n\n### **BACKGROUND**\n\n4. On March 23, 2023, the Trustee filed his Motion to Modify, which seeks to modify the Repair Reserve Order so as to allow the Trustee to pay up to \\$500,000 in operating, maintenance, and related expenses (including insurance premiums) for the Lady May out of the Repair Reserve.3 The background to the Motion to Modify is set forth therein, and incorporated by reference into this Motion to Expedite.\n\n### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n5. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9006(c)(1), the Court may reduce the notice period when requested by motion where cause is demonstrated. Cause exists to consider and determine the Motion to Modify upon an expedited basis. The Trustee respectfully requests that the Court schedule a hearing with respect to the Motion to Modify for **March 27, 2023**, immediately after the conclusion of the hearing on the Partial Summary Judgment Motion, which is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m. (ET) on March 27, 2023. In addition, the Trustee requests that any objections be raised at the hearing, without restricting any parties' ability to also file an objection to the Motion to Modify at any time before the hearing.\n\n#### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n6. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9006(c)(1), the Court may reduce the notice period when requested by motion where cause is demonstrated\n\n<sup>3</sup> As noted in the Motion to Modify, the Motion to Modify is premised on the Court granting the Trustee's Partial Summary Judgment Motion and determining that the Lady May is an asset of the Debtor's estate.\n\n7. On March 19, 2023, the Trustee filed the Partial Summary Judgment Motion seeking a declaratory judgment that the Lady May is property of the Debtor's estate based on collateral estoppel arising from the participation of HK USA, Mei Guo, and the Debtor in the State Court Action. The hearing on the Partial Summary Judgment Motion is scheduled for March 27, 2023.\n\n8. In the event the Court grants the Partial Summary Judgment Motion, the Lady May will be an asset of the Debtor's estate that the Trustee is obligated to preserve and protect for the benefit of the Debtor's estate. This will require the Trustee to fund operating, maintenance, and related expenses of the Lady May. Moreover, the Trustee will need to *immediately* obtain a P&I insurance policy with respect to the Lady May as the current policy is set to expire March 28, 2023.\n\n9. As detailed in the Motion to Modify, at this stage, the estate has insufficient funds to preserve the value of the Lady May. For this reason, the Trustee seeks, by the Motion to Modify, entry of an order authorizing the authorize and direct the Trustee to use funds from the Repair Reserve to pay operating expense and maintenance charges, in an amount not to exceed \\$500,000, including to obtain and maintain insurance coverage for the Lady May.\n\n10. Given that the Lady May cannot be left without insurance coverage, it is imperative that the Motion to Modify be heard immediately after the hearing on the Partial Summary Judgment Motion. Of course, in the event the Partial Summary Judgment Motion is denied, the Trustee will withdraw the Motion to Modify without prejudice.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank.*]\n\n3\n\nWHEREFORE, the Trustee requests that the Court issue an order, substantially in the\n\nform attached hereto as **Exhibit 1**, and ordering such other and further relief as is just and\n\nproper.\n\nDated: March 23, 2023 LUC A. DESPINS, New Haven, Connecticut CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE\n\nBy: */s/ Luc A. Despins*\n\nLuc A. Despins (admitted *pro hac vice*) G. Alexander Bongartz (admitted *pro hac vice*) Douglass Barron (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6000 alexbongartz@paulhastings.com douglassbarron@paulhastings.com\n\n*and*\n\nNicholas A. Bassett (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n*and*\n\nPatrick R. Linsey (ct29437) Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n*Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee*\n\n# **EXHIBIT 1**\n\n**Proposed Order**\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------<br>x |        |                         |  |  |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------|--------|-------------------------|--|--|\n| In re:                                                      | :<br>: | Chapter 11              |  |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK et al.,                                         | :<br>: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |  |\n| Debtors.1                                                   | :<br>: | Jointly Administered    |  |  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------      | :<br>x |                         |  |  |\n\n### **ORDER SCHEDULING EXPEDITED HEARING**\n\nThe Court having considered the motion (the \"Motion to Expedite\") seeking an expedited hearing on the *Emergency Motion of Chapter 11 Trustee, Conditional on Court Determining that Lady May is Property of Estate, For Entry of Order Modifying Order Establishing Repair Reserve* [Docket No. \\_\\_\\_] (the \"Motion to Modify\");2 and good cause appearing, it is hereby\n\n**ORDERED,** that a hearing on the Motion to Modify shall be held on **March 27, 2023**,\n\nimmediately after the conclusion of the hearing on the Partial Summary Judgment Motion, at\n\nthe United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Connecticut, Bridgeport Division, 915\n\nLafayette Boulevard, Room 123, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (the \"Hearing\"); and it is further\n\n 1 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), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Order have the meanings set forth in the Motion to Modify.\n\n**ORDERED,** that any party may object to the Motion to Modify at the Hearing (without limiting any party's ability to also file a written objection at any time before the Hearing); and it is further\n\n**ORDERED,** that a copy of this Order, along with the Motion to Modify and any attachments thereto, shall be served upon all parties to the above-captioned case able to receive electronic notice, and the Trustee shall file a certificate of service in advance of the Hearing.\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------<br>x |             |                         |  |  |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|--|--|\n| In re:                                                      | :<br>:      | Chapter 11              |  |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK et al.,                                         | :<br>:      | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |  |\n| Debtors.1                                                   | :<br>:<br>: | Jointly Administered    |  |  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------      | x           |                         |  |  |\n\n### **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe undersigned hereby certifies that on March 23, 2023, the foregoing Motion to Expedite, and all declarations, exhibits and attachments thereto, was electronically filed. Notice of this filing was sent by e-mail to all parties to the above-captioned chapter 11 case by operation of the Court's electronic filing (\"CM/ECF\") system or by mail to anyone unable to accept electronic filing as indicated on the Notice of Electronic Filing. Parties may access this filing through the Court's CM/ECF system.\n\n| Dated: | March 23, 2023         | By: /s/ Luc A. Despins                        |\n|--------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|\n|        | New Haven, Connecticut | Luc A. Despins (admitted pro hac vice)        |\n|        |                        | G. Alexander Bongartz (admitted pro hac vice) |\n|        |                        | Douglass Barron (admitted pro hac vice)       |\n|        |                        | PAUL HASTINGS LLP                             |\n|        |                        | 200 Park Avenue                               |\n|        |                        | New York, New York 10166                      |\n|        |                        | (212) 318-6000                                |\n|        |                        | lucdespins@paulhastings.com                   |\n|        |                        | alexbongartz@paulhastings.com                 |\n|        |                        | douglassbarron@paulhastings.com               |\n\n *Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee*\n\n<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), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).","body_zh":"美国破产法院 康涅狄格区 布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n案由： :\n: 第 11 章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人， :\n: 案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1 :\n: 合并审理\n\nx\n关于第 11 章受托人请求作出修改维修准备金裁定之紧急动议的加快听证动议\n\nLuc Despins（卢克·德斯平斯）以在 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（下称「债务人」）第 11 章破产案中获任命的第 11 章受托人（下称「受托人」）身份，通过其下述署名律师，依据《联邦破产诉讼程序规则》（Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure，下称「《破产规则》」）第 9006(c)(1) 条，特此向本法院提出动议（下称「《加快动议》」），请求作出排定加快听证的裁定，以审议和裁决《第 11 章受托人请求作出修改维修准备金裁定之紧急动议》（下称「《修改动议》」）。2 为支持本《加快动议》，受托人谨陈述如下：\n管辖权、审理地及法定依据\n\n1. 依据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 及 1334，本法院对审理本事项具有管辖权。依据 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2)，本案属于核心程序。\n\n1 本批第 11 章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵，亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 及 Miles Kwok，以及诸多其他化名）（税务识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号后四位：8202）及 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 及 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为 Paul Hastings LLP（普衡律师事务所），200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 转交 Luc A. Despins（作为 Ho Wan Kwok 破产财产的受托人）（仅用于送达通知及联络目的）。\n\n2 本《加快动议》中使用但未另行定义的首字母大写术语，具有《修改动议》中所载的含义。\n\n2. 依据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 及 1409，本司法辖区作为审理地是适当的。\n\n3. 本《加快动议》所寻求救济的依据为《破产规则》第 9006(c)(1) 条。\n背景\n\n4. 2023年3月23日，受托人提交了《修改动议》，请求修改《维修准备金裁定》，以允许受托人从维修准备金中最多支付 $500,000 用于 Lady May（梅女士号）游艇的运营、维护及相关费用（包括保险费）。3 《修改动议》的背景详见该动议，并援引纳入本《加快动议》。\n请求的救济\n\n5. 依据《破产规则》第 9006(c)(1) 条，在提出动议并证明有充分理由的情况下，法院可缩短通知期限。本案存在以加快程序审议和裁决《修改动议》的充分理由。受托人谨请求法院将《修改动议》的听证排定于 2023年3月27日，紧随《部分即决判决动议》听证结束之后进行，该听证定于 2023年3月27日 美国东部时间上午 11:00 开始。此外，受托人请求允许在听证会上当庭提出任何异议，同时不限制任何当事方在听证会前随时就《修改动议》提交书面异议的权利。\n请求的救济\n\n6. 依据《破产规则》第 9006(c)(1) 条，在提出动议并证明有充分理由的情况下，法院可缩短通知期限\n\n3 如《修改动议》所述，《修改动议》以法院准许受托人的《部分即决判决动议》并认定 Lady May（梅女士号）属于债务人破产财产为前提。\n\n7. 2023年3月19日，受托人提交了《部分即决判决动议》，基于 HK USA、Mei Guo（郭美）及债务人参与州法院诉讼所产生的争点排除效力，请求作出宣告性判决，认定 Lady May（梅女士号）属于债务人破产财产。关于《部分即决判决动议》的听证定于 2023年3月27日 举行。\n\n8. 如果法院准许《部分即决判决动议》，Lady May（梅女士号）将成为债务人的破产财产，受托人有义务为债务人破产财产的利益对其予以保全和维护。这将要求受托人支付 Lady May（梅女士号）的运营、维护及相关费用。此外，由于现有的保赔保险（P&I）保单将于 2023年3月28日 到期，受托人需要立即就 Lady May（梅女士号）取得保赔保险保单。\n\n9. 详见《修改动议》，在现阶段，破产财产缺乏足够的资金来保全 Lady May（梅女士号）的价值。为此，受托人通过《修改动议》请求法院作出裁定，授权并指示受托人使用维修准备金中的资金支付运营费用和维护费用，金额不超过 $500,000，包括用于取得并维持 Lady May（梅女士号）的保险覆盖。\n\n10. 鉴于 Lady May（梅女士号）绝不能处于失去保险覆盖的状态，对《修改动议》的听证紧随《部分即决判决动议》听证之后立即进行是至关重要的。当然，如果《部分即决判决动议》被驳回，受托人将撤回《修改动议》且不影响日后再行提出。\n\n[本页其余部分特意留白。]\n为此，受托人请求法院作出实质上符合本动议附件 1 格式的裁定，并裁定给予法院认为公正、适当的其他及进一步救济。\n\n日期：2023年3月23日 LUC A. DESPINS，第 11 章受托人\n康涅狄格州纽黑文\n\n签署：/s/ Luc A. Despins\n\nLuc A. Despins（申请特许出庭）\nG. Alexander Bongartz（申请特许出庭）\nDouglass Barron（申请特许出庭）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP\n200 Park Avenue\nNew York, New York 10166\n(212) 318-6000\nalexbongartz@paulhastings.com\ndouglassbarron@paulhastings.com\n\n及\n\nNicholas A. Bassett（申请特许出庭）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP\n2050 M Street NW\nWashington, D.C., 20036\n(202) 551-1902\nnicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n及\n\nPatrick R. Linsey (ct29437)\nNeubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.\n195 Church Street, 13th Floor\nNew Haven, Connecticut 06510\n(203) 781-2847\nplinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n第 11 章受托人之律师\n附件 1\n\n拟定裁定\n美国破产法院 康涅狄格区 布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n案由： :\n: 第 11 章\nHO WAN KWOK 等人， :\n: 案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1 :\n: 合并审理\n\nx\n排定加快听证裁定\n\n本法院经审议请求就《以法院认定梅女士号为破产财产为条件、第 11 章受托人请求作出修改设立维修准备金裁定之紧急动议》[案卷号 ___]（下称「《修改动议》」）进行加快听证的动议（下称「《加快动议》」）；2 且认定存在充分理由，特此\n\n裁定：《修改动议》的听证将于 2023年3月27日 紧随《部分即决判决动议》听证结束后，在美国破产法院康涅狄格区布里奇波特分院（地址：915 Lafayette Boulevard, Room 123, Bridgeport, CT 06604）举行（下称「听证会」）；并进一步\n\n1 本批第 11 章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 及 Miles Kwok，以及诸多其他化名）（税务识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号后四位：8202）及 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 及 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为 Paul Hastings LLP，200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 转交 Luc A. Despins（作为 Ho Wan Kwok 破产财产的受托人）（仅用于送达通知及联络目的）。\n\n2 本裁定中使用但未另行定义的首字母大写术语，具有《修改动议》中所载的含义。\n\n裁定：任何当事方均可在听证会上对《修改动议》提出异议（且不限制任何当事方在听证会前随时提交书面异议的权利）；并进一步\n\n裁定：本裁定副本连同《修改动议》及其任何附件，应送达给上述标题案件中能够接收电子通知的所有当事方，且受托人应在听证会前提交送达证明。\n美国破产法院 康涅狄格区 布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n案由： :\n: 第 11 章\nHO WAN KWOK 等人， :\n: 案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1 :\n:\n: 合并审理\n------------------------------------------------------ x\n送达证明\n\n下述署名人特此证明，于 2023年3月23日，上述《加快动议》及其所有声明、证据和附件均已通过电子方式提交。本提交的通知已通过法院的电子案件档案（CM/ECF）系统运行以电子邮件方式发送给上述标题第 11 章案件的所有当事方，或根据《电子提交通知》的指示以邮寄方式发送给无法接受电子提交的任何人。各当事方可通过法院的 CM/ECF 系统查阅本次提交的文件。\n\n日期：2023年3月23日 签署：/s/ Luc A. Despins\n康涅狄格州纽黑文\n\nLuc A. Despins（申请特许出庭）\nG. Alexander Bongartz（申请特许出庭）\nDouglass Barron（申请特许出庭）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP\n200 Park Avenue\nNew York, New York 10166\n(212) 318-6000\nlucdespins@paulhastings.com\nalexbongartz@paulhastings.com\ndouglassbarron@paulhastings.com\n\n第 11 章受托人之律师\n\n1 本批第 11 章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 及 Miles Kwok，以及诸多其他化名）（税务识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号后四位：8202）及 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 及 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为 Paul Hastings LLP，200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 转交 Luc A. Despins（作为 Ho Wan Kwok 破产财产的受托人）（仅用于送达通知及联络目的）。","key_entities":["Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Guo","Paul Hastings","Je","Miles Guo","Luc Despins","CIPA"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":1751,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 13:02:33"}