{"id":"court_ctb_3278_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":3278,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"UNKNOWN","filed_date":null,"title":"| UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT | |--------------------------------|","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"| UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT |\n|--------------------------------|\n| DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT        |\n| BRIDGEPORT DIVISION            |\n\n|                                                                                        | _______________________________________________                |                   |  |                           |                                                |               |                             |  |\n|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|--|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------|--|\n| In re<br>Ho Wan Kwok,<br>Debtor.1<br>________________________________________________: |                                                                |                   |  |                           | : Chapter 11<br>:<br>: Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |               |                             |  |\n|                                                                                        |                                                                |                   |  |                           |                                                |               |                             |  |\n|                                                                                        |                                                                |                   |  |                           |                                                |               | FEE APPLICATION COVER SHEET |  |\n|                                                                                        | FOURTH Interim/Final Fee application of: Pullman & Comley, LLC |                   |  |                           |                                                |               |                             |  |\n|                                                                                        | Time Period: From: January 1, 2024                             |                   |  | To:                       | April 30, 2024                                 |               |                             |  |\n|                                                                                        | Bankruptcy Petition Filed:                                     | February 15, 2022 |  |                           |                                                |               |                             |  |\n|                                                                                        | Date of Entry of Retention Order:                              |                   |  |                           | April 29, 2022 effective as of March 29, 2022  |               |                             |  |\n| Amount Requested                                                                       |                                                                |                   |  | Reductions                |                                                |               |                             |  |\n| Fees:                                                                                  | \\$56,420.00                                                    |                   |  | Voluntary Fee Reductions: | \\$0                                            |               |                             |  |\n| Expenses:                                                                              | \\$<br>581.40                                                   | Expenses:         |  | \\$0                       |                                                |               |                             |  |\n| Total:                                                                                 | \\$57,001.40                                                    |                   |  |                           |                                                |               |                             |  |\n| Retainer Request:                                                                      |                                                                |                   |  | Expense Detail:           |                                                |               |                             |  |\n| Retainer Received<br>__N/A___                                                          |                                                                |                   |  | Retainer Received         |                                                | ___N/A_______ |                             |  |\n| Prior award applied<br>__N/A___                                                        |                                                                |                   |  | Prior award applied       |                                                | ___N/A_______ |                             |  |\n|                                                                                        | Balance before this request                                    | __N/A___          |  |                           | Balance before this request                    | ___N/A_______ |                             |  |\n|                                                                                        |                                                                |                   |  |                           | Copies per page cost and total___N/A_______    |               |                             |  |\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 the 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### **Hours and Rates per professional:**\n\n| Hours 0.4  | Rate | \\$600.00 | Irve J. Goldman    |\n|------------|------|----------|--------------------|\n| Hours 45.4 | Rate | \\$590.00 | Kristin B. Mayhew  |\n| Hours 63.9 | Rate | \\$460.00 | Jonathan A. Kaplan |\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ In re : Chapter 11 : Ho Wan Kwok, : Case No. 22-50073 : Debtor. : : \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_:\n\n## **FOURTH INTERIM APPLICATION OF PULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC, COUNSEL TO THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS, FOR COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024**\n\n| Name of Applicant:                                                                | Pullman & Comley, LLC                         |\n|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|\n| Authorized to provide<br>professional services to:                                | The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors |\n| Date of Retention:                                                                | April 29, 2022 effective as of March 29, 2022 |\n| Period for which compensation<br>and reimbursement is sought:                     | January 1, 2024 through April 30, 2024        |\n| Amount of Compensation sought<br>as actual, reasonable and necessary:             | \\$56,420.00                                   |\n| Amount of Expense Reimbursement<br>sought as actual, reasonable and<br>necessary: | \\$581.40                                      |\n| Voluntary Reductions:                                                             | \\$0.00                                        |\n|                                                                                   |                                               |\n\nThis is a(n): Interim Final application\n\n|                   |               |                          | Requested    |            | Monthly Statements |          | Certificate                       |\n|-------------------|---------------|--------------------------|--------------|------------|--------------------|----------|-----------------------------------|\n| Application       | Date<br>Filed | Period<br>Covered        | Fees<br>100% | Expenses   | Fees<br>80%        | Expenses | of No Objection<br>/ Signed Order |\n| First<br>Interim  | 6/20/23       | 3/29/2022-<br>4/30/23    | \\$504,742.00 | \\$709.53   | \\$12,226.88        | \\$0.00   | 7/20/2023                         |\n| Fee<br>Statement  | 9/20/23       | 8/1/2023-<br>8/31/2023   | \\$19,104.50  | -0-        | \\$15,283.60        | \\$0.00   | N/A                               |\n| Fee<br>Statement  | 10/20/23      | 9/1/2023-<br>9/30/2023   | \\$32,627.50  | -0-        | \\$26,102.00        | \\$0.00   | N/A                               |\n| Second<br>Interim | 10/16/23      | 5/1/2023 –<br>8/31/2023  | \\$86,457.50  | \\$1,751.60 | NA                 | NA       | 11/30/2023                        |\n| Third<br>Interim  | 2/14/24       | 9/1/2023 –<br>12/31/2023 | \\$89,835.50  | \\$392.14   | NA                 | NA       | 3/20/2024                         |\n\n# **PRIOR APPLICATION HISTORY**\n\n## **SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONALS AND PARAPROFESSIONALS RENDERING SERVICES FROM JANUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024**\n\n| Timekeeper Name       | Year<br>Admitted | Title/Department                     | Hours<br>Worked | Rate  | Bill Amount |\n|-----------------------|------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------|-------|-------------|\n| Goldman, Irve J.      | 1989             | Partner/Litigation<br>and Bankruptcy | 0.4             | \\$600 | \\$240.00    |\n| Kaplan, Jonathan A.   | 2005             | Partner/Litigation<br>and Bankruptcy | 63.9            | \\$460 | \\$29,394.00 |\n| Mayhew, Kristin B.    | 1999             | Partner/Litigation<br>and Bankruptcy | 45.4            | \\$590 | \\$26,786.00 |\n| TOTAL ALL TIMEKEEPERS |                  |                                      | 109.7           |       | \\$56,420.00 |\n| Attorney Blended Rate |                  |                                      |                 |       |             |\n\n# **SUMMARY OF COMPENSATION BY PROJECT CATEGORY FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024**\n\n| Task Number | Task Description                          | Hours | Total       |\n|-------------|-------------------------------------------|-------|-------------|\n| 1           | Case Administration                       | 33.2  | \\$18,266.00 |\n| 2           | Meetings and Communication with Creditors | 2.8   | \\$1,431.00  |\n| 3           | Fee/Employment Applications               | 36.9  | \\$18,846.00 |\n| 5           | Asset Analysis and Recovery               | 36.8  | \\$17,877.00 |\n|             |                                           |       |             |\n|             | Total Fees Rendered This Statement        | 109.7 | \\$56,420.00 |\n\n**`**\n\n## **EXPENSE SUMMARY FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024**\n\n| Court telephonic hearing fees            | \\$0      |\n|------------------------------------------|----------|\n| Express Mail                             | \\$0      |\n| External Phone Charges                   | \\$0      |\n| Copies                                   | \\$560.40 |\n| Travel and related expenses<br>(parking) | \\$21.00  |\n| Business Lunch                           | \\$0      |\n| Certificate of Good Standing             | \\$0      |\n| Total Disbursements                      | \\$581.40 |\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\nDebtor.<sup>1</sup>\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_:\n\nIn re : Chapter 11 : Ho Wan Kwok, : Case No. 22-50073 : :\n\n:\n\n## **THIRD INTERIM APPLICATION OF PULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC, AS COUNSEL TO THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS FOR COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024**\n\nPursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 and 331, Rule 2016(a) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1, Pullman & Comley, LLC (\"P&C\"), as counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Debtor's Chapter 11 Case (the \"Committee\"), appointed in the chapter 11 case of the Debtor, Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\"), submits its third interim application (the \"Application\") for allowance of compensation and reimbursement of expenses for the period of January 1, 2024 through April 30, 2024 (the \"Fee Period\"). By this Application, P&C seeks an interim allowance of compensation in the amount of \\$56,420.00 and expense reimbursement in the amount of \\$581.40. In support of this Application, P&C respectfully states as follows:\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 the 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### **BACKGROUND**\n\n1. On February 15, 2022 (the \"Petition Date\"), the Debtor filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut, thereby commencing this Chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\").\n\n2. The Debtor remained a debtor in possession under sections 1101(1) and 1106(a) until a chapter 11 trustee, Luc A. Despins (the \"Trustee\"), was appointed by the United States trustee (\"UST\") on July 7, 2022 and approved by the Court on July 8, 2022.\n\n3. On March 21, 2022, the UST appointed the Committee pursuant to section 1102(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n4. Shortly after its appointment, the Committee selected P&C as its counsel and on April 5, 2022, filed its Application to Employ Pullman & Comely, LLC as Counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors.\n\n5. On April 29, 2022, the Court entered the *Order Authorizing Retention and Employment of Pullman & Comley, LLC as Counsel for the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors*, which was made effective as of March 29, 2022 (\"Retention Order\"). The Retention Order authorizes P&C to be compensated in accordance with the procedures set forth in 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 and 331, the applicable Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, the rules of this Court and any Order entered by this Court with respect to the compensation of professionals.\n\n6. Through the Application, P&C seeks allowance of compensation for professional services rendered for and on behalf of the Committee during the Fee Period. A detailed description of services rendered during the Fee Period in the form of P&C's monthly invoices, which also contain the disbursements it incurred in connection with the rendition of P&C's services, is annexed hereto as Exhibit \"A**\"**.\n\n- 2 -\n\n### **BRIEF CASE HISTORY**\n\n7. The Debtor commenced the Chapter 11 Case one day before the date by which he was ordered to pay a \\$134,000,000 contempt fine (the \"Contempt Order\") to Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P. (\"PAX\") in the action, PAX v. Kwok, Index No. 652077/2017, pending in New York Supreme Court (the \"New York Action\").\n\n8. Give the long-standing and acrimonious litigation history between PAX and the Debtor, on March 1, 2022 PAX promptly moved for relief from the automatic stay to return to the New York Action for purposes of enforcing the Contempt Order (the \"PAX Lift Stay Motion\").\n\n9. On March 19, 2022, the UST filed a Motion for Order Directing Appointment of an Examiner, or in the Alternative, Motion for Order Directing the Appointment of a Chapter 11 Trustee (\"UST 1104 Motion\").\n\n10. On April 6, 2022, PAX filed a Motion to Dismiss Chapter 11 Case or, in the Alternative, Partial Joinder to United States Trustee's Motion for Order Directing the Appointment of a Chapter 11 Trustee (\"PAX Motion to Dismiss\").\n\n11. While the UST 1104 Motion and PAX Motion to Dismiss remained pending, the PAX Lift Stay Motion was resolved by a Stipulated Order Compelling HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC to Transport and Deliver That Certain Yacht, The \"Lady May,\" entered on April 29, 2022. The focus of the Chapter 11 Case then turned to whether it should be dismissed, which was the principal form of relief requested in the PAX Motion to Dismiss, or converted, or whether a Chapter 11 trustee should be appointed. The Committee was the principal party opposing the PAX Motion to Dismiss, which was scheduled for an evidentiary hearing on May 25, 2022.\n\n12. Prior to and while pretrial proceedings relating to the PAX Motion to Dismiss were proceeding, the parties and the Court were dealing with a number of early case motions filed by\n\n- 3 -\n\nthe Debtor and opposed by the Committee or other parties in interest, in whole or in part, including (i) applications to retain Brown Rudnick LLP as Debtor's counsel, Verdolino & Lowey, P.C. as Debtor's financial advisor, and Stretto, Inc. as its claims and noticing agent (all filed on March 16, 2022), (ii) Debtor's for Entry of an Order Authorizing (I) Employment and Payment of Professionals Utilized in the Ordinary Course, (II) Payment of Prepetition Claims, and (III) Granting Related Relief, filed on March 22, 2022 (the \"OCP Motion\"), and (iii) Debtor's Motion for Entry of Interim and Final DIP Orders (I) Authorizing the Debtor to Obtain Unsecured, Subordinated Postpetition Financing and (II) Scheduling Interim and Final Hearings, and (III) Granting Related Relief, filed on March 22, 2022 (the \"DIP Motion\"), which proposed an \\$8 million unsecured, subordinated loan to the estate, \\$4 million of which would be dedicated to payment of professional fees of the Committee and/or and examiner to conduct an investigation into the Debtor's assets and financial affairs.\n\n12. While the Committee was able to negotiate further concessions from the proposed DIP lender, Golden Spring (New York) Ltd. (\"Golden Spring\"), including preservation of alter ego claims against Golden Spring notwithstanding its proposed financing, the Court was having reservations with the proposed loan and was proceeding incrementally by requiring fee budgets from the parties for more defined periods of time and scheduled a hearing on the DIP Motion and other matters, including the applications to retain Brown Rudnick and Verdolino & Lowey, for April 27, 2022. At that hearing, the DIP Motion was continued for hearing on May 4, 2022, after which the Court took the matter under advisement.\n\n13. On May 11, 2022, however, before the Court could issue its decision on the DIP Motion, the Debtor filed a Consent to the Dismissal of the Chapter 11 Case and a Notice of Withdrawal of the DIP Motion.\n\n- 4 -\n\n14. The Committee vigorously opposed the PAX Motion to Dismiss, which was the subject of an evidentiary hearing on May 25, 2022 after substantial briefing by the parties, exchange of trial exhibits and other pretrial proceedings. On June 15, 2022, the Court issued its Memorandum of Decision and Order Denying Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice and Granting Joinder to Motion for Appointment of Chapter 11 Trustee.\n\n13. On July 7, 2022, the UST appointed the Trustee as the chapter 11 trustee of the Debtor's estate and his appointment was approved by the Court on July 8, 2022.\n\n14. Litigation almost immediately ensued by the Debtor's filing of an objection to the Trustee's appointment, a motion for relief from the order appointing the Trustee, and an objection to the Trustee's application to retain his firm, Paul Hastings LLP, as his counsel. All of these attempts by the Debtor to oust the Trustee<sup>2</sup> and prevent his retention of counsel were denied by the Court by orders entered on August 2, 2022.\n\n15. Since the Trustee's appointment, the Committee has taken a supportive role in the administration of the Chapter 11 Case, consulting with the Trustee as necessary in the administration of the Chapter 11 Case, 11 U.S.C. § 1103(a)(1), and serving a \"watchdog\" function. *See e.g. In re Commercial Mortgage and Finance Co.*, 414 B.R. 389, 400 (Bankr. N.D. Ill. 2009) (recognizing that \"creditor committees often serve a 'watchdog' function\").\n\n<sup>2</sup> The Debtor later filed a motion to remove the Trustee on December 30, 2022, which was opposed by the Committee and, of course, the Trustee, and was withdrawn by the Debtor on April 5, 2023.\n\n### **SUMMARY OF SERVICES BY PROJECT CATEGORY**\n\n16. The services rendered by P&C during the Fee Period are itemized as set forth in Exhibit \"A\" and summarized by project category as follows:\n\nA. Case Administration: Fees: \\$18,266.00 Hours: 33.2\n\n17. Among the myriad services performed by the Committee in this project category were reviewing pleadings, other papers and court orders or decisions, attending any court hearings, and engaging in discussions with the Trustee or his counsel, relating to the Debtor's case and the following contested matters and adversary proceedings: the Debtor's pending criminal matter in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the renewed motion to stay the bankruptcy case, the Trustee's motion to extend or toll the statute of limitations for avoidance actions, the Trustee's motions for 2004 examinations and related motions to compel, the Trustee's motions for default judgment and motion to set aside default with respect to Lamp Capital, the Trustee's motion to stay adversary proceedings, motion to approve procedures in adversary proceedings/avoidance actions, and motion for order regarding mediation procedures.\n\n. B. Communications with Creditors Fees: \\$1,431.00 Hours: 2.8\n\n18. Services within this project category included telephone conferences and email communications with members of the Committee concerning the Trustee's motion to establish procedures for avoidance claims/adversary proceedings, the Trustee's motion to extend/toll the statute of limitations, the Trustee's adversary proceeding asserting a RICO claim against various parties, the interim fee applications of various parties, and updates on various hearings/rulings.\n\nC. Fee and Employment Applications Fees: \\$18,846.00 Hours: 36.9\n\n19. Services included within this project category included reviewing and reporting to the Committee on the interim fee applications and monthly fee statements of the Trustee's\n\n- 6 -\n\nprofessionals, including Paul Hastings, Neubert Pepe & Monteith, EPIQ, Harney, Westwood & Reigels, Saxe Doernberger, O'Sullivan McCormack, Jensen & Bliss, Pallas Partners, Kroll and Prager Dreigus AG, and reviewing the application to employ Prager Dreigus AG as Swiss Law Counsel, and attending hearings related to such matters, addressing issues related to Kroll fee application, including communications with U.S. Trustee's office and Trustee's counsel, and reviewing the underlying invoices and preparing a third interim fee application for Pullman & Comley, LLC as counsel to the Committee and attending the hearing thereon.\n\n. D. Asset Analysis and Recovery Fees: \\$17,877.00 Hours: 36.8\n\n21. Services in this project category included reviewing the Taurus Fund adversary proceeding including issues related to pretrial deadlines, the Trustee's adversary proceeding complaints asserting avoidance causes of action and RICO claims against hundreds of defendants, the closing statement for the Lady May II, the Trustee's stipulation with the US Government regarding the Mawhah, NJ mansion, the HCHK adversary proceeding including the motion to intervene, the Trustee's motion to toll or extend the statute of limitations to file avoidance actions, the rehabilitation and remodeling of the Sherry-Netherlands apartment including the selection of a general contractor for remediation, invoices from architect and other parties and status reports, the Trustee's motion for turnover of items in New Jersey storage units from the Debtor, Golden Springs New York and the Mahwah Mansion, the order granting summary judgment with respect to the Bombardier Jet, the Greenwich Land adversary proceeding including the motion for summary judgment, the order finding Hudson Diamond Holding, LLC in contempt, as well as monthly operating reports for the Debtors.\n\n### **DISBURSEMENTS**\n\n24. P&C incurred reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses in the sum of \\$581.40 in connection with rendering legal services to the Committee during the Fee Period. These disbursements consisted of copying charges and parking expenses.\n\n### **VALUATION OF SERVICES & RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n25. Attorneys and paraprofessionals employed by P&C have expended a total of 109.7 hours in connection with this matter during the Fee Period detailed below. The nature of the work performed by these persons is fully set forth in the detail attached hereto as Exhibit \"A\". The hourly rates set forth above were P&C's current hourly rates for work of this nature at the time the services were rendered. The reasonable value of the services rendered by P&C for the Fee Period as counsel to the Committee is \\$56,420.00.\n\n26. In accordance with the factors enumerated in section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, the amount requested is fair and reasonable given (a) the complexity of these Chapter 11 Cases, (b) the time expended, (c) the nature and extent of the services rendered, (d) the value of such services, and (e) the cost of comparable services other than in a case under this title.\n\n27. This is P&C's fourth interim application. P&C has received no payment and no promises for payment from any source for services rendered or to be rendered in any capacity whatsoever in connection with these cases, and there is no agreement or understanding between P&C and any other person, other than members of P&C, for the sharing of compensation to be received for services rendered in these cases. No prior application has been made to this or any other Court for this Fee Period or for the allowance of fees and disbursements sought herein.\n\n28. This Application covers the period of January 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024. P&C has and will continue to perform additional necessary services subsequent to April 30, 2024, for which P&C will file subsequent fee applications.\n\n- 8 -\n\n29. Annexed hereto as Exhibit \"B\", and made part hereof, is a Certification of Jonathan A. Kaplan, Esq, a member of P&C, submitted pursuant to section 504 of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n**WHEREFORE**, P&C respectfully requests the Court enter an order, substantially in the form attached hereto, providing: (a) that an interim allowance be made to P&C for the period from January 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024 in the amount of (i) \\$56,420.00 as compensation for necessary professional services rendered, and (ii) \\$581.40 for actual and necessary expenses incurred, for a total of \\$57,001.40; (b) that the Trustee be authorized and directed to pay P&C the outstanding amount of such sums; and (c) for such other and further relief as may be just and proper.\n\nDated: Bridgeport, Connecticut\n\nJune 24, 2024 Respectfully submitted,\n\n## **PULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC**\n\n*/s/Irve J. Goldman*  Irve J. Goldman, Esq. (ct02404) Jonathan A. Kaplan, Esq. (ct27126) 850 Main Street, 8th Floor P.O. Box 7006 Bridgeport, CT 06601-7006 Telephone: (203) 330-2213 Facsimile: (203) 576-8888 E-mail: jgoldman@pullcom.com\n\njkaplan@pullcom.com *Counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors*","body_zh":"美国联邦破产法院\n\n康涅狄格州联邦地区\n布里奇波特分院\n\n关于\nHo Wan Kwok（郭文贵），\n债务人。1\n________________________________________________：　：第11章\n：\n：案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n\n费用申请封面\nPullman & Comley, LLC（普尔曼和康利有限责任公司）的第四次临时/最终费用申请\n期间：自：January 1, 2024　至：April 30, 2024\n破产申请提交日期：February 15, 2022\n留任命令录入日期：April 29, 2022，自 March 29, 2022 起生效\n申请金额　减免\n费用：$56,420.00　自愿费用减免：$0\n支出：$\n581.40　支出：$0\n合计：$57,001.40\n预付金申请：　支出明细：\n已收预付金\n__不适用___　已收预付金　___不适用_______\n已适用的先前裁定金额\n__不适用___　已适用的先前裁定金额　___不适用_______\n本次申请前余额　__不适用___　本次申请前余额　___不适用_______\n每页复印费及总额___不适用_______\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号码后四位：8202）以及 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 和 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 遗产的受托人（仅为通知及通信之目的）。\n各专业人员的工时及费率：\n\n工时 0.4　费率　$600.00　Irve J. Goldman\n\n工时 45.4　费率　$590.00　Kristin B. Mayhew\n工时 63.9　费率　$460.00　Jonathan A. Kaplan\n美国联邦破产法院 康涅狄格州联邦地区 布里奇波特分院\n\n________________________________________________ 关于 ：第11章 ：Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）， ：案号：22-50073 ：债务人。 ： ： __________________________________________________：\n\nPULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC，作为无担保债权人官方委员会律师，就自 APRIL 1, 2024 至 APRIL 30, 2024 期间所提供服务的报酬及所发生支出的偿还提出的第四次临时申请\n\n申请人名称：Pullman & Comley, LLC（普尔曼和康利有限责任公司）\n\n获授权向下列主体提供\n专业服务：　无担保债权人官方委员会\n留任日期：April 29, 2022，自 March 29, 2022 起生效\n申请报酬及\n偿还的期间：　January 1, 2024 至 April 30, 2024\n所申请的作为实际、合理及必要\n费用的报酬金额：　$56,420.00\n所申请的作为实际、合理及\n必要费用的支出偿还金额：　$581.40\n自愿减免：　$0.00\n\n本申请属于：临时 最终申请\n\n申请　月度报表　证明\n\n申请　提交\n日期　涵盖\n期间　费用\n100%　支出　费用\n80%　支出　无异议证明\n/ 已签署命令\n第一次\n临时申请　6/20/23　3/29/2022-\n4/30/23　$504,742.00　$709.53　$12,226.88　$0.00　7/20/2023\n费用\n报表　9/20/23　8/1/2023-\n8/31/2023　$19,104.50　-0-　$15,283.60　$0.00　不适用\n费用\n报表　10/20/23　9/1/2023-\n9/30/2023　$32,627.50　-0-　$26,102.00　$0.00　不适用\n第二次\n临时申请　10/16/23　5/1/2023 –\n8/31/2023　$86,457.50　$1,751.60　不适用　不适用　11/30/2023\n第三次\n临时申请　2/14/24　9/1/2023 –\n12/31/2023　$89,835.50　$392.14　不适用　不适用　3/20/2024\n既往申请历史\n自 JANUARY 1, 2024 至 APRIL 30, 2024 提供服务的专业人员及辅助专业人员汇总\n\n计时人员姓名　获准执业\n年份　职务/部门　工作\n工时　费率　计费金额\n\nGoldman, Irve J.　1989　合伙人/诉讼\n及破产　0.4　$600　$240.00\nKaplan, Jonathan A.　2005　合伙人/诉讼\n及破产　63.9　$460　$29,394.00\nMayhew, Kristin B.　1999　合伙人/诉讼\n及破产　45.4　$590　$26,786.00\n所有计时人员合计　109.7　$56,420.00\n律师综合费率\n自 JANUARY 1, 2024 至 APRIL 30, 2024 期间按项目类别列示的报酬汇总\n\n任务编号　任务说明　工时　合计\n\n1　案件管理　33.2　$18,266.00\n2　与债权人的会议及沟通　2.8　$1,431.00\n3　费用/聘用申请　36.9　$18,846.00\n5　资产分析及追收　36.8　$17,877.00\n\n本报表所提供服务的费用合计　109.7　$56,420.00\n\n`\n自 JANUARY 1, 2024 至 APRIL 30, 2024 期间的支出汇总\n\n法院电话听证费用　$0\n\n快递邮件　$0\n外部电话费用　$0\n复印　$560.40\n差旅及相关费用\n（停车）　$21.00\n商务午餐　$0\n良好存续证明　$0\n支出总额　$581.40\n美国联邦破产法院 康涅狄格州联邦地区 布里奇波特分院\n\n债务人。1\n\n________________________________________________\n\n________________________________________________：\n\n关于 ：第11章 ：Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）， ：案号：22-50073 ： ：\n\n：\nPULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC，作为无担保债权人官方委员会律师，就自 JANUARY 1, 2024 至 APRIL 30, 2024 期间所提供服务的报酬及所发生支出的偿还提出的第三次临时申请\n\n根据 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 和 331、《联邦破产程序规则》第 2016(a) 条、当地破产规则 2016-1，Pullman & Comley, LLC（“P&C”）作为在债务人第11章案件（“委员会”）中获任命的无担保债权人官方委员会的律师，就债务人 Ho Wan Kwok（“债务人”）的第11章案件，提交其第三次临时申请（“本申请”），请求准许就 January 1, 2024 至 April 30, 2024 期间（“费用期间”）的报酬及支出偿还。P&C 通过本申请请求临时准许金额为 $56,420.00 的报酬及金额为 $581.40 的支出偿还。为支持本申请，P&C 谨陈如下：\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号码后四位：8202）以及 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 和 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 遗产的受托人（仅为通知及通信之目的）。\n背景\n\n1. 于 February 15, 2022（“申请日”），债务人在 United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格州联邦地区美国联邦破产法院）根据《美国法典》第11编（“破产法典”）第11章提交了自愿救济申请，由此启动本第11章案件（“第11章案件”）。\n\n2. 债务人根据第 1101(1) 条和第 1106(a) 条一直作为占有中的债务人，直至 United States trustee（“UST”）于 July 7, 2022 任命第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins（“受托人”），并于 July 8, 2022 获本院批准。\n\n3. 于 March 21, 2022，UST 根据《破产法典》第 1102(a)(1) 条任命委员会。\n\n4. 委员会获任命后不久，选定 P&C 担任其律师，并于 April 5, 2022 提交其《关于聘用 Pullman & Comely, LLC 作为无担保债权人官方委员会律师的申请》。\n\n5. 于 April 29, 2022，本院录入《关于授权留任和聘用 Pullman & Comley, LLC 作为无担保债权人官方委员会律师的命令》，该命令自 March 29, 2022 起生效（“留任命令”）。留任命令授权 P&C 根据 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 和 331、适用的《联邦破产程序规则》、本院规则以及本院就专业人员报酬所作出的任何命令获得报酬。\n\n6. P&C 通过本申请请求准许其在费用期间为委员会及代表委员会提供的专业服务的报酬。费用期间所提供服务的详细说明，以 P&C 月度发票的形式列于本申请附件“A”中；该等发票还载有其因提供 P&C 服务而发生的支出。\n\n- 2 -\n简要案件历史\n\n7. 债务人在其被命令向 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P.（“PAX”）支付 $134,000,000 藐视法庭罚款（“藐视法庭命令”）的期限届满前一日启动第11章案件；该命令作于 PAX v. Kwok, Index No. 652077/2017 一案，该案正在 New York Supreme Court（纽约州最高法院）（“纽约诉讼”）审理。\n\n8. 鉴于 PAX 与债务人之间长期且充满敌意的诉讼历史，于 March 1, 2022，PAX 迅速提出解除自动中止的动议，以返回纽约诉讼执行藐视法庭命令（“PAX 解除中止动议”）。\n\n9. 于 March 19, 2022，UST 提交《关于指示任命审查员的命令动议，或备选地，关于指示任命第11章受托人的命令动议》（“UST 1104 动议”）。\n\n10. 于 April 6, 2022，PAX 提交《关于驳回第11章案件的动议，或备选地，对美国受托人关于指示任命第11章受托人的命令动议的部分加入》（“PAX 驳回动议”）。\n\n11. 在 UST 1104 动议和 PAX 驳回动议仍待裁决期间，PAX 解除中止动议通过于 April 29, 2022 录入的《关于强制 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC 运送并交付涉案游艇“Lady May”的约定命令》获得解决。此后，第11章案件的重点转向应否予以驳回——这正是 PAX 驳回动议所请求的主要救济形式——或予以转换，或是否应任命第11章受托人。委员会是反对 PAX 驳回动议的主要当事方，该动议原定于 May 25, 2022 进行证据听证。\n\n12. 在与 PAX 驳回动议有关的审前程序进行之前及进行期间，当事方和本院正在处理债务人提出、并由委员会或其他利害关系方全部或部分反对的多项早期案件动议，包括：(i) 聘用 Brown Rudnick LLP 作为债务人律师、Verdolino & Lowey, P.C. 作为债务人财务顾问，以及 Stretto, Inc. 作为其债权申报及通知代理人的申请（均于 March 16, 2022 提交）；(ii) 债务人于 March 22, 2022 提交的《关于录入命令以授权 (I) 聘用及支付在正常经营过程中使用的专业人员，(II) 支付申请前债权，以及 (III) 授予相关救济的申请》（“OCP 动议”）；以及 (iii) 债务人于 March 22, 2022 提交的《关于录入临时和最终 DIP 命令以 (I) 授权债务人取得无担保、次级的申请后融资，(II) 安排临时和最终听证，以及 (III) 授予相关救济的动议》（“DIP 动议”）；该动议提出向遗产提供一笔 $8 million 的无担保、次级贷款，其中 $4 million 将专门用于支付委员会和/或审查员的专业费用，以对债务人的资产和财务事务进行调查。\n\n12. 尽管委员会能够从拟议 DIP 贷款人 Golden Spring (New York) Ltd.（“Golden Spring”）谈判取得进一步让步，包括尽管其拟议融资仍保留针对 Golden Spring 的另我主张，本院对拟议贷款存有疑虑，并正通过要求当事方就更明确的期间提交费用预算而逐步推进；本院还安排于 April 27, 2022 就 DIP 动议及其他事项举行听证，包括聘用 Brown Rudnick 和 Verdolino & Lowey 的申请。在该听证会上，DIP 动议延至 May 4, 2022 进行听证，其后本院将该事项留待裁定。\n\n13. 然而，于 2022 年 5 月 11 日，在法院就 DIP 动议作出决定之前，债务人提交了同意撤销 Chapter 11 案件的文件以及撤回 DIP 动议的通知。\n\n- 4 -\n\n14. 委员会强烈反对 PAX 的驳回动议；在当事人进行了大量书面陈述、交换审判证据以及其他审前程序后，该动议于 2022 年 5 月 25 日举行了证据听证会。2022 年 6 月 15 日，法院发布了《关于无损害地驳回驳回动议并准许加入任命 Chapter 11 受托人动议的决定备忘录及命令》。\n\n13. 2022 年 7 月 7 日，UST 任命受托人为债务人财产的 Chapter 11 受托人，该任命于 2022 年 7 月 8 日获法院批准。\n\n14. 债务人几乎立即提起诉讼，对受托人的任命提出异议，提出请求免除任命受托人命令效力的动议，并对受托人申请聘任其所在律师事务所 Paul Hastings LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）担任其律师提出异议。债务人试图罢免受托人2并阻止其聘任律师的所有这些尝试，均被法院于 2022 年 8 月 2 日作出的命令驳回。\n\n15. 自受托人获任命以来，委员会在 Chapter 11 案件管理中发挥了支持作用，在必要时就 Chapter 11 案件的管理与受托人进行协商，11 U.S.C. § 1103(a)(1)，并履行“监督者”职能。参见，例如，In re Commercial Mortgage and Finance Co., 414 B.R. 389, 400 (Bankr. N.D. Ill. 2009)（承认“债权人委员会经常履行‘监督者’职能”）。\n\n2 债务人随后于 2022 年 12 月 30 日提出罢免受托人的动议，该动议受到委员会以及当然还有受托人的反对，并于 2023 年 4 月 5 日由债务人撤回。\n\n按项目类别汇总的服务\n\n16. P&C（普尔曼与科姆利有限责任公司）在费用期间提供的服务详列于附件“A”，并按项目类别汇总如下：\n\nA. 案件管理：费用：$18,266.00　工时：33.2\n\n17. 委员会在该项目类别中提供的众多服务包括：审阅诉状、其他文件以及法院命令或裁定，出席任何法院听证会，以及就债务人的案件及以下争议事项和对抗程序，与受托人或其律师进行讨论：债务人在 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York（美国纽约南区联邦地区法院）待决的刑事案件及再次提出的中止破产案件动议，受托人关于延长或中止撤销权诉讼时效期间的动议，受托人关于 2004 审查及相关强制动议的动议，受托人就 Lamp Capital（兰普资本）提出的缺席判决动议及撤销缺席动议，受托人中止对抗程序的动议、批准对抗程序／撤销权诉讼程序的动议，以及关于调解程序的命令动议。\n\nB. 与债权人的沟通　费用：$1,431.00　工时：2.8\n\n18. 该项目类别中的服务包括：就受托人关于建立撤销权请求／对抗程序程序的动议、受托人关于延长／中止时效期间的动议、受托人针对多方当事人主张 RICO 请求的对抗程序、各方的临时费用申请，以及有关各项听证会／裁定的更新，与委员会成员进行电话会议和电子邮件沟通。\n\nC. 费用及聘任申请　费用：$18,846.00　工时：36.9\n\n19. 该项目类别中的服务包括：审阅受托人专业人员的临时费用申请和月度费用报表，并就此向委员会报告；该等专业人员包括 Paul Hastings、Neubert Pepe & Monteith、EPIQ、Harney, Westwood & Reigels、Saxe Doernberger、O'Sullivan McCormack、Jensen & Bliss、Pallas Partners、Kroll 和 Prager Dreigus AG；审阅聘任 Prager Dreigus AG 担任瑞士法律顾问的申请；出席与该等事项有关的听证会；处理与 Kroll 费用申请有关的问题，包括与 U.S. Trustee's office（美国受托人办公室）及受托人律师的沟通；审阅基础发票；以及为 Pullman & Comley, LLC（普尔曼与科姆利有限责任公司）作为委员会律师准备第三份临时费用申请，并出席就此举行的听证会。\n\n- 6 -\n\nD. 资产分析与追偿　费用：$17,877.00　工时：36.8\n\n21. 该项目类别中的服务包括：审阅 Taurus Fund（金牛基金）对抗程序，包括与审前期限有关的问题；审阅受托人针对数百名被告主张撤销权诉因和 RICO 请求的对抗程序起诉书；审阅 Lady May II（五月女士二号）的交割结算单；审阅受托人与 U.S. Government（美国政府）就 Mahwah, NJ（新泽西州马瓦）豪宅达成的约定；审阅 HCHK 对抗程序，包括介入动议；审阅受托人关于中止或延长提起撤销权诉讼时效期间的动议；审阅 Sherry-Netherlands（雪莉—荷兰）公寓的修复和改造，包括选择一名负责修复工作的总承包商、建筑师及其他方的发票和状况报告；审阅受托人要求债务人、Golden Springs New York（纽约金泉）及 Mahwah Mansion（马瓦豪宅）移交位于新泽西州储存单元内物品的动议；审阅就 Bombardier Jet（庞巴迪喷气机）作出简易判决的命令；审阅 Greenwich Land（格林尼治土地）对抗程序，包括简易判决动议；审阅认定 Hudson Diamond Holding, LLC（哈德逊钻石控股有限责任公司）藐视法庭的命令；以及审阅债务人的月度经营报告。\n\n支出\n\n24. P&C 在费用期间向委员会提供法律服务时，发生了金额为 $581.40 的合理且必要的实际支出。该等支出包括复印费用和停车费用。\n\n服务估值及所请求的救济\n\n25. P&C 聘用的律师和辅助专业人员在下述费用期间内，就本事项共投入 109.7 小时。该等人员所从事工作的性质已在随附附件“A”的明细中完整列明。上述小时费率为提供服务时 P&C 对此类工作适用的现行小时费率。P&C 在费用期间作为委员会律师所提供服务的合理价值为 $56,420.00。\n\n26. 根据《破产法》第 330 条所列因素，鉴于 (a) 该等 Chapter 11 案件的复杂性，(b) 所投入的时间，(c) 所提供服务的性质和范围，(d) 该等服务的价值，以及 (e) 在非本法典案件中可比服务的成本，所请求的金额公平且合理。\n\n27. 这是 P&C 的第四份临时申请。P&C 未从任何来源收到、亦未获承诺将收到任何付款，作为其就这些案件以任何身份已提供或将提供服务的报酬；并且，除 P&C 成员外，P&C 与任何其他人之间不存在就其在这些案件中提供服务将获得的报酬进行分配的协议或谅解。此前未就该费用期间或本申请所请求核准的费用和支出，向本法院或任何其他法院提出申请。\n\n28. 本申请涵盖 2024 年 1 月 1 日至 2024 年 4 月 30 日期间。P&C 已于 2024 年 4 月 30 日之后并将继续提供额外的必要服务，P&C 将就此提交后续费用申请。\n\n- 8 -\n\n29. 随附于此并构成本申请一部分的是 P&C 成员 Jonathan A. Kaplan, Esq（乔纳森·A·卡普兰律师）根据《破产法》第 504 条提交的证明书。\n\n因此，P&C 恭请法院作出一项大致按随附形式作出的命令，规定：(a) 就 2024 年 1 月 1 日至 2024 年 4 月 30 日期间，向 P&C 作出临时核准，金额为：(i) 就所提供的必要专业服务支付 $56,420.00 作为报酬，及 (ii) 就实际发生的必要支出支付 $581.40，合计 $57,001.40；(b) 授权并指示受托人向 P&C 支付该等款项的未付余额；以及 (c) 法院认为公正和适当的其他及进一步救济。\n\n日期：康涅狄格州布里奇波特\n\n2024 年 6 月 24 日　谨此提交，\nPULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC\n\n/s/Irve J. Goldman　Irve J. Goldman, Esq.（ct02404）　Jonathan A. Kaplan, Esq.（ct27126）　850 Main Street, 8th Floor　P.O. Box 7006　Bridgeport, CT 06601-7006　电话：(203) 330-2213　传真：(203) 576-8888　电子邮箱：jgoldman@pullcom.com\n\njkaplan@pullcom.com　无担保债权人正式委员会律师","key_entities":["Je","Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Guo","Paul Hastings","Despins","Miles Guo","RICO","CIPA","HCHK"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":3550,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 18:29:26"}