{"id":"court_ctb_3569_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":3569,"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| ------------------------------------------------------ | 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## **APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330, BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AND LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014-1 AND 2016-1, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF CHRYSSAFINIS & POLYVIOU LLC AS CYPRIOT LAW COUNSEL**\n\nMr. Luc A. Despins, in his capacity as the Chapter 11 Trustee (the \"Chapter 11 Trustee\") appointed in the above-captioned chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\") of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\"), pursuant to sections 327, 328, and 330 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\"), Rules 2014 and 2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\"), and Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1 of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Local Bankruptcy Rules\") for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Court\"), files this application (the \"Application\") requesting entry of an order, substantially in the form attached hereto as **Exhibit A** (the \"Proposed Order\") approving the Chapter 11 Trustee's employment of Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC (\"CP Law\") as Cypriot law counsel, effective as of August 15, 2024, on the terms set forth in the engagement letter attached\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\nhereto as **Exhibit B** (the \"Engagement Letter\"). In support of this Application, the Chapter 11 Trustee submits the *Declaration of George Middleton in Support of Application of Chapter 11 Trustee for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327, 328, and 330, Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, and Local Bankruptcy Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1, Authorizing and Approving Retention and Employment of Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC as Cyprus Law Counsel* (the \"Middleton Declaration\"), attached as **Exhibit C**, which is incorporated herein by reference. In further support of this Application, the Chapter 11 Trustee respectfully states as follows:\n\n#### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n1. In the course of his investigation into the Debtor's financial firms, the Trustee has discovered assets (including real property) located, and transfers that took place, in Cyprus.2 The Trustee thus requires a Cypriot law firm to further investigate these matters, particularly as the Trustee may need to file pleadings in Cyprus court to seek discovery in connection with these matters. The Chapter 11 Trustee selected CP Law as his counsel based on CP Law's familiarity with financial investigations, insolvency, and fund and property tracing.\n\n2. By this Application, the Chapter 11 Trustee seeks entry of the Proposed Order, authorizing and approving the retention and employment of CP Law as the Chapter 11 Trustee's Cypriot law counsel, effective as of August 15, 2024, on the terms set forth in the Engagement Letter, to assist the Trustee in his efforts to recover assets of the Debtor's estate potentially located in Cyprus.\n\n<sup>2</sup> As further detailed below, the Trustee recently commenced an adversary proceeding against Bouillor Holdings Limited, a Cyprus entity nominally owned by Qiang Guo, the Debtor's son, to recover the Debtor' luxurious high-rise apartment in Limassol, Cyprus.\n\n#### **JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND STATUTORY BASES**\n\n3. The Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 and the *Standing Order of Reference* from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. This is a core proceeding within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 157(b).\n\n4. Venue in this District is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n5. The statutory bases for the relief requested herein are sections 327(a), 328(a), and 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, and, to the extent applicable, Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, and Local Bankruptcy Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1.\n\n#### **BACKGROUND**\n\n6. On February 15, 2022 (the \"Petition Date\"), the Debtor filed with the Court a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n7. On March 21, 2022, the United States Trustee appointed an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the \"Committee\") in the Debtor's Chapter 11 Case.\n\n8. On June 15, 2022, the Court entered a memorandum of decision and order [Docket No. 465] (the \"Trustee Order\") directing the United States Trustee to appoint a chapter 11 trustee in the Chapter 11 Case. Pursuant to the Trustee Order, the United States Trustee selected Luc A. Despins as the Chapter 11 Trustee [Docket No. 514].\n\n9. On July 8, 2022, the Court entered an order granting the appointment of Luc A. Despins as the Chapter 11 Trustee in the Chapter 11 Case [Docket No. 523].\n\n10. On August 15, 2024, the Trustee filed a complaint against, among others, Bouillor Holdings Limited, a Cypriot entity [Adv. Proc. No. 24-05311, Docket No. 1] (the \"Complaint\" and the adversary proceeding the \"Bouillor AP\").\n\n#### **CP LAW'S QUALIFICATIONS**\n\n11. CP Law is a law firm located at 37 Metochiou Street, Agios Andreas, Nicosia, Cyprus CY-1101. CP Law is a prestigious Cypriot law firm which practices in a range of business advisory and litigation areas. The firm currently employs approximately 30 lawyers, who are assisted by paralegals and support staff.\n\n12. For example, George Middleton and his team at CP Law have represented various Cypriot Banks (including the Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited, Alpha Bank Cyprus Limited, the Cyprus Development Bank Public Company Limited, and other local lenders) in various insolvency and recovery matters before the Cyprus courts, as well as insolvency practitioners aiming to recover funds for the benefit of the creditors.\n\n13. CP Law has expertise in practice areas including insolvency matters, investigations tracing actions, fraud and conspiracy related matters. CP Law's practices spans a broad range of legal services in Cyprus.\n\n#### **ANTICIPATED SERVICES**\n\n14. The Chapter 11 Trustee anticipates that CP Law will assist him in the investigation of assets, including real property, and transfers connected to the Debtor that took place in Cyprus, including those at issue in the Bouillor AP.3 Due to the specialized nature of CP Law role as Cypriot law counsel, there will be no duplication of services arising from CP Law's retention.\n\n<sup>3</sup> In the interest of maintain confidentiality regarding the ongoing investigation, the Trustee will not disclose the exact funds and assets believed to be located in Cyprus.\n\n#### **COMPENSATION OF CP LAW**\n\n15. CP Law intends to apply to the Court for compensation for professional services rendered and for reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with this Chapter 11 Case pursuant to sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2016, Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1, and any other applicable rules and orders with respect to this Chapter 11 Case, including the *Order Establishing Procedures for Interim Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Retained Professionals* (as such order may be amended, the \"Interim Compensation Order\").\n\n16. CP Law will charge the Debtor for its legal services on an hourly basis at its regularly applicable hourly rates in connection with the services required in connection with the Trustee's investigations.\n\n17. At present, the 2024 hourly rates of CP Law are between €300 and €375 for associates (which, at current exchange rates, converts into approximately \\$335 to \\$419) and €450 for partners (which, at current exchange rates, converts into approximately \\$502). CP Law will also will also bill for out-of-pocket expenses made on behalf of the Debtor, including photocopying, postage and package deliveries, court fees, transcripts, translator fees, witness fees, service fees, travel expenses, and computer-aided research.\n\n18. CP Law has requested, and the Chapter 11 Trustee hereby seeks authorization, that CP Law be allowed to invoice its fees and expenses in Euro (EUR) and to have such fees and expenses paid in Euro (EUR), subject to the terms of the Interim Compensation Order.\n\n19. The Debtor submits that CP Law's hourly rates are reasonable, comparable to CP Law's hourly rates for other engagements, and within the range of rates charged by comparably skilled professionals who offer the same services.\n\n#### **CP LAW IS DISINTERESTED**\n\n20. To the best of the Chapter 11 Trustee's knowledge in reliance upon the Middleton Declaration, and except as disclosed therein, CP Law does not have any relationships with the Debtor, its creditors, or any other party-in-interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United States Trustee, or any person employed in the Office of the United States Trustee.\n\n21. More specifically, upon the basis of the Middleton Declaration, and except as disclosed therein, the Chapter 11 Trustee believes that: (a) CP Law has no connection with the Debtor, his creditors, the U.S. Trustee, any person employed in the office of the U.S. Trustee, or any other party with an actual or potential interest in the Debtor or his respective attorneys or accountants; and (b) CP Law and its employees (i) are not a creditors, equity security holders, or insiders of the Debtor or his affiliates, (ii) have not been, within two years before the Petition Date, a director, officer, or employee of the Debtor or his affiliates, and (iii) has not had any interest materially adverse to the interests of the Debtor's estate or any class of creditors or equity security holders by reason of any direct or indirect relationship to, connection with, or interest in the Debtor, or for any other reason. Therefore, the Chapter 11 Trustee believes that CP Law is a \"disinterested person\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by section 1107(b).\n\n22. Based on the Middleton Declaration, the Chapter 11 Trustee believes that CP Law does not represent any adverse interest to unsecured creditors in connection with the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n#### **BASIS FOR RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n23. The Chapter 11 Trustee requests to retain and employ CP Law as his Cypriot counsel pursuant to section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, which provides that a trustee, subject\n\nto the approval of the Court, may employ professional persons \"that do not hold or represent an interest adverse to the estate, and that are disinterested persons, to represent or assist the trustee in carrying out the trustee's duties under this title.\"\n\n24. Under section 328(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, with bankruptcy court approval, a trustee may employ professional persons under section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code \"on any reasonable terms and conditions of employment, including on a retainer, on an hourly basis, on a fixed or percentage fee basis, or on a contingent fee basis.\" 11 U.S.C. § 328(a).\n\n25. Bankruptcy Rule 2014(a) provides that an application for retention include:\n\nspecific facts showing the necessity for the employment, the name of the [firm] to be employed, the reasons for the selection, the professional services to be rendered, any proposed arrangement for compensation, and, to the best of the applicant's knowledge, all of the [firm's] connections with the debtor, creditors, any other party in interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United States trustee.\n\n26. The Chapter 11 Trustee requires the services of counsel in Cyprus to exercise his responsibilities. CP Law will endeavor to avoid the duplication of efforts and provide services as efficiently as possible.\n\n27. Accordingly, the employment of CP Law as the Chapter 11 Trustee's Cypriot counsel, upon the terms set forth herein and in the Proposed Order, is reasonable and in the best interest of the Debtor's estate.\n\n28. The Chapter 11 Trustee submits that CP Law's rates are reasonable, comparable to rates for other engagements, and within the range of rates charged by comparably skilled professionals who offer the same services.\n\n29. Local Bankruptcy Rule 2014-1 provides that if \"an application to employ a professional is filed within thirty (30) days after the commencement of services provided by that professional, the application shall be deemed contemporaneously filed unless the Court\n\norders otherwise.\" Accordingly, the Chapter 11 Trustee requests authority to retain and employ CP Law effective August 15, 2024, which was the date that CP Law began providing services to the Chapter 11 Trustee.4\n\n## **NOTICE**\n\n30. Notice of this Application has been given to the United States Trustee, the Debtor, the Committee, and, by electronic filing utilizing the Court's electronic filing (\"CM/ECF\") system, to all appearing parties who utilize the CM/ECF system.\n\n## **NO PRIOR REQUEST**\n\n31. No previous application for the relief requested herein has been made to this or any other Court.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank.*]\n\n<sup>4</sup> While August 15, 2024, is 39 days prior to the date of the filing of this Application, the Trustee nevertheless requests that the retention be effective date as of August 15, 2024.\n\n### **CONCLUSION**\n\nWHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, Luc A. Despins, the Chapter 11 Trustee,\n\nrequests that the Court enter an Order, substantially in the form of the Proposed Order filed herewith, granting the Application, and authorizing the Chapter 11 Trustee's employment of CP Law as Cypriot law counsel, and order such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.\n\nDated: September 23, 2024 Chapter 11 Trustee in Chapter 11 Case of Ho Wan Kwok\n\n> */s/ Luc A. Despins* Luc A. Despins\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------  | x      |                         |\n|---------------------------------------------------------|--------|-------------------------|\n| In re:                                                  | :<br>: | Chapter 11              |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,1                                   | :<br>: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors.                                                | :<br>: | (Jointly Administered)  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------x | :      |                         |\n\n## **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe undersigned hereby certifies that on September 23, 2024, the foregoing Application\n\nwas electronically filed. Notice of this filing was sent by e-mail to all parties to the above-\n\ncaptioned chapter 11 case by operation of the Court's electronic filing (\"CM/ECF\") system or by\n\nmail to anyone unable to accept electronic filing as indicated on the Notice of Electronic Filing.\n\nParties may access this filing through the Court's CM/ECF system.\n\nDated: September 23, 2024 New York, New York\n\nBy: */s/ G. Alexander Bongartz*\n\nG. Alexander Bongartz (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6079 alexbongartz@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).\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------ | 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# **[PROPOSED] ORDER (A) GRANTING APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330, BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AND LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014-1 AND 2016-1, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF CHRYSSAFINIS & POLYVIOU LLC AS CYPRIOT LAW COUNSEL**\n\nUpon the application (the \"Application\")2 of Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins (the \"Chapter 11 Trustee\") in the above-captioned chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\"), (a) for authority to retain and employ Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC (\"CP Law\") as counsel in Cyprus to the Chapter 11 Trustee, effective as of August 15, 2024, pursuant to sections 327, 328, and 330 of title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\"), Rules 2014 and 2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\"), and Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1 of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Local Bankruptcy Rules\"), all as more fully set forth in the Application and the Engagement Letter; and upon consideration of the Application and the\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 have the meanings set forth in the Application or the Middleton Declaration.\n\nMiddleton Declaration; and this Court having jurisdiction to consider the Application and the relief requested therein in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 and the Standing Order of Reference from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut; and consideration of the Application and the relief requested therein being a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b); and venue being proper in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409; and the Court having found that (i) the relief requested in the Application is in the best interest of the Debtor's estate, its creditors, and all parties-in-interest, (ii) the legal and factual bases set forth in the Application and the Middleton Declaration, and the record of any hearing on the Application before this Court establish just cause for the relief granted herein, (iii) CP Law is a \"disinterested person,\" as defined in section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code and as required by section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, and (iv) CP Law and its employees do not hold or represent an interest adverse to the Debtor's estate; and due and sufficient notice of the Application having been given under the particular circumstances; and it appearing that no other or further notice need be given; and upon all of the proceedings had before this Court; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is hereby ORDERED THAT:\n\n1. The Application is granted as set forth herein.\n\n2. The Chapter 11 Trustee is authorized to retain and employ CP Law as his Cypriot law counsel effective as of August 15, 2024 on the terms set forth in the Application, the Engagement Letter, and the Middleton Declaration.\n\n3. CP Law is authorized to act as the Chapter 11 Trustee's lawyers and to perform those services described in the Application.\n\n4. The Estate shall be responsible for CP Law's compensation and reimbursement of expenses with respect to the engagement.\n\n5. The allowance of any compensation to be paid to CP Law shall be determined in accordance with the procedures set forth in sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2016, Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1, and the Interim Compensation Order.\n\n6. Allowance of any compensation for CP Law shall be limited to the extent of services actually performed as Cypriot law counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins, and shall not include compensation for the performance of any of the trustee duties that are generally performed by a Chapter 11 trustee without the assistance of an attorney.\n\n7. CP Law is authorized to invoice its fees and expenses in Euro (EUR) and to have such fees and expenses paid in Euro (EUR), subject to the terms of the Interim Compensation Order. The payment in Euro (EUR) shall be converted from US Dollars into Euro (EUR) at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of payment.\n\n8. CP Law shall provide no less than ten business days' notice to the Chapter 11 Trustee, the United States Trustee, and counsel to any official committee before any increases in the rates it charges are implemented and shall file such notice with the Court.\n\n9. The Chapter 11 Trustee is authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted in this Order.\n\n10. The requirements of the Local Bankruptcy Rules are satisfied by the contents of the Application.\n\n11. To the extent the Application, the Engagement Letter, and the Middleton Declaration are inconsistent with this Order, the terms of this Order shall govern.\n\n12. The terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon its entry.\n\n13. This Court shall retain jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or\n\nrelated to the implementation, interpretation, and enforcement of this Order.\n\n# **Exhibit B**\n\n**Engagement Letter**\n\n![](_page_15_Picture_1.jpeg)\n\nCHRYSSAFINIS OLDARDOS A\n\nchryssafinis.polyviou@cplaw.com.cy www@cplaw.com.cy\n\nChryssafinis & Polyviou LLC Office Address: 37 Metochiou Str., Agios Andreas CY-1101, Nicosia, Cyprus\nPostal Address: P.O. Box 21238, CY-1504 Nicosia, Cyprus\n\n| letephone Numbers:                                   |                  |  |  |\n|------------------------------------------------------|------------------|--|--|\n| Main                                                 | : +357 22 361000 |  |  |\n| Litigation Department                                | +357 22 361200   |  |  |\n| International Corporate Department : +357 22 361 100 |                  |  |  |\n| Fax Numbers:                                         |                  |  |  |\n| Κεντοικό                                             | : +357 22 678011 |  |  |\n| Litigation Department                                | : +357 22 681780 |  |  |\n| International Corporate Department . +357 22 679750  |                  |  |  |\n\n15 August 2024\n\n## LEGALLY PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL\n\nLuc. A. Despins, as Trustee for the Chapter 11 Estate of Ho Wan Kwok c/o Paul Hastings LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166\n\nDear Sirs.\n\n## Re: Engagement Letter (a term which includes this Engagement Letter as this may be varied from time to time in accordance with its terms)\n\nWe hereby confirm that We are pleased to act for and on behalf of Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Chapter 11 Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (\"Client\"). The purpose of this Engagement Letter is to summarise and confirm the terms and conditions of Chryssafinis and Polyviou LLC's (the \"Firm\" / \"We\", a term which includes the latter's permitted transferees) engagement by You pursuant to this Engagement Letter (\"Engagement\").\n\n### 1. Scope of work covered by the Engagement\n\nTo advise the Client in connection with his efforts to recover potential assets of Ho Wan Kwok, the debtor in the chapter 11 case pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Bankruptcy Court\"), located in Cyprus.\n\n### 2. Scope of work NOT covered by the Engagement\n\n- · Any due diligence exercise.\n- · Company administration services.\n- · Any other work not specifically referred to in Clause 1, above.\n\nIt should be noted that We cannot and do not provide services as regards any accounting and/or auditing and/or actuarial and/or commercial and/or\n\n![](_page_16_Picture_1.jpeg)\n\ntechnical and/or personal data protection and/or sanctions matters, nor can We advise on the laws of any jurisdiction other than Cyprus.\n\n#### Instructions and Communications 3.\n\nWe understand that for the purposes of the Engagement We will be taking instructions from Luc A. Despins (lucdespins@paulhastings.com), Nicholas Bassett and G. Alexander Bongartz (nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com), (alexbongartz@paulhastings.com).\n\nAll instructions and relevant documentation should be sent to us for the attention of George Middleton (gmiddleton@cplaw.com.cy) and Christos loannou (cioannou@cplaw.com.cy) or as otherwise advised by us in writing. In any case, You warrant that You shall not issue any directions/instructions/requests compliance with which by us would raise the real risk of exposing us to administrative and/or disciplinary and/or civil and/or criminal liability anywhere in the world.\n\n#### 4. Fees:\n\nUnless otherwise agreed between You and us in writing, our fees will be charged on an hourly basis as applicable from time to time. At present, the hourly rates are as follows.\n\n- Partner, €450 per hour\n- Senior Associate €375 per hour\n- Associate €300 per hour.\n\n### 5. Costs and Disbursements\n\nYou will also be responsible for reimbursing the Firm for all costs incurred by the Firm for the scope of work covered by the Engagement. If the Firm is obliged to incur additional expenses for non-chargeable administrative staff overtime on evenings or weekends to meet time deadlines fixed by You, any overtime charges will be billed separately and will be paid by You only if such billing was duly approved by You in advance.\n\n### 5. Statements of Account/Invoices and Payment\n\nInvoices for the services rendered to You will be addressed to You unless We are instructed otherwise (in writing) by You. Payments must be made into the bank\n\n![](_page_17_Picture_2.jpeg)\n\naccount mentioned on each respective note of charges rendered by our Firm. Each such invoice shall refer to this Engagement.\n\nNotwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, compensation for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses will be paid in such amounts as may be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court on proper applications in accordance with the compensation procedures established and required by the Bankruptcy Court.\n\nFor the avoidance of doubt, neither Mr. Despins, in his personal capacity, nor Paul Hasting LLP shall be liable for compensation for services rendered or reimbursement of expenses.\n\n### 6. Termination\n\n- 6.1. Any of the parties hereto may terminate the engagement at any time subject to giving at least 14 days' prior written notice of such termination to the other party, without prejudice either to a party's already accrued rights and/or obligations or to any provision which is intended to survive such termination.\n- 6.2. Any of the parties hereto may terminate the engagement at any time with the giving of written notice of such termination to the other party (without prejudice either to a party's already accrued rights and/or obligations or to any provision which is intended to survive such termination) if, in the terminating party's reasonable opinion, the other party has breached any of its obligations under this Engagement Letter and/or the continuation of the engagement would raise the real risk of exposing the terminating party to reputational damage (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where the other party and/or any of its officers and/or any of its direct or indirect shareholders or subsidiaries is subjected to sanctions anywhere in the world) and/or to any administrative and/or disciplinary and/or civil and/or criminal liability anywhere in the world.\n- 6.3. In the event of the engagement being terminated, then, You shall promptly pay to our Firm any sums due under the terms of the engagement as at the date of such termination, with any such sums to be paid in accordance with the compensation procedures established and required by the Bankruptcy Court.\n- 6.4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Engagement Letter, the Firm shall have the right to refuse to take any action if it considers that (1) any instructions or directions given to it are ambiguous or conflicting and/or (2) if it acts upon\n\n![](_page_18_Picture_1.jpeg)\n\nsuch instructions or directions it would breach Cyprus law (or the laws of any other jurisdiction) and/or would be exposed to reputational damage.\n\n## 7. Disclosure\n\n- 7.1. Subject to the provisions of Clause 7.2 below, if a party to this Engagement Letter (\"Party X\") directly or indirectly acquires any information in connection with the person and/or business and/or assets and/or affairs of another party to this Engagement Letter (\"Party Y\"), Party X shall at all times ensure that its shareholders, officers, employees, agents and internal partners (as applicable) keep such information strictly confidential and neither disclose it to any person nor use same for any purpose that has not been expressly and in writing authorized by Party Y.\n- 7.2. A party to this Engagement Letter shall be entitled to disclose information in connection with the person and/or business and/or assets and/or affairs of another party to this Engagement Letter:\n\t- (i) to a third party to the extent that such disclosure has been expressly and in writing authorized by the other party to this Engagement Letter;\n\t- (ii) to a third party to the extent that the information disclosed has aiready entered the public domain in circumstances not engaging the disclosing party's liability;\n\t- (iii) to a third party to the extent that such disclosure is required pursuant to applicable law:\n\nProvided that the Firm provide at least seven (7) days' prior written notice before many any such disclosure, and\n\nProvided further that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Engagement Letter, in view of the fact that the relationship between You and the Firm is subject to legal professional privilege (as applied from time to time under Cyprus law), the Firm shall not, in respect of any transactions that You have engaged in and/or engage in from time to time, be making any reporting to any competent authority pursuant to Council Directive (EU) 2018/822 of May 25, 2018 (as amended or replaced or transposed (whether in Cyprus or\n\n![](_page_19_Picture_2.jpeg)\n\nelsewhere) from time to time) (\"DAC 6\"), and You warrant to the Firm that You shall, firstly, keep full records of any transactions that You have engaged in and/or engage in from time to time in connection with the scope of work covered by the engagement, secondly, keep such transactions under constant review with the assistance of your tax advisors such that any aspect of any such transaction that might need to be reported pursuant to DAC 6 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, pursuant to s.7Δ(6) of Law 205(1)/2012 as amended or replaced from time to time) shall (to the exclusion of the Firm) be duly reported to any relevant competent authority by You and/or your tax advisors and/or your other collaborators as required by DAC 6, and, thirdly, at the Firm's request, promptly provide the Firm with confirmation of any DAC 6 reporting made by You and/or your tax advisors and/or your other collaborators (to the extent that, acting in good faith and reasonably, the Firm resolves that the subject matter of such reporting relates to the engagement);\n\n- (iv) in the context of any judicial proceedings pursuant to Clause 8.11 below, to the extent that the disclosure is made in good faith;\n- (v) in the course of defending itself in the context of any administrative and/or disciplinary and/or civil and/or criminal proceedings anywhere in the world, to the extent that, acting in good faith and reasonably, the disclosing party resolves that such disclosure is necessary for properly defending itself;\n- (vi) where the disclosing party is the Firm, to third party providers of accounting and/or actuarial and/or auditing and/or banking and/or business consulting and/or company administration/management and/or human resources and/or insurance and/or technology and/or legal and/or security (such as personal data protection etc.) and/or tax services to the Firm, to the extent necessary for the purposes of such providers' provision of such services to the Firm and provided that (a) the relevant provider is subject to a duty of confidentiality and (b) Client provides advance written consent to any such disclosure;\n- (vii) where the disclosing party is the Firm and the information being disclosed constitutes Personal Data (as this term is defined in Clause 8, below):\n\n![](_page_20_Picture_2.jpeg)\n\nto a third party where it is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject (as this term is defined in Clause 8, below) or another natural person, provided that the Firm provide at least seven (7) days' prior written notice before making any such disclosure. The concept of \"vital interests\" here means \"vital interests\" in the sense used in the GDPR (as this term is defined in Clause 8, below).\n\n## 8. Proper law, jurisdiction and other matters\n\n#### 1. Governing Law\n\nThis Engagement Letter is, and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are, governed by Cyprus law.\n\n## II. Jurisdiction of Cyprus Court\n\n- (i) The courts of Cyprus have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Engagement Letter (including a dispute relating to the existence, validity or termination of this Engagement Letter or any non-contractual obligation arising out of or in connection with this Engagement Letter) (a \"Dispute\").\n- (ii) It is agreed that the courts of Cyprus are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle Disputes and accordingly no person will argue to the contrary.\n- (iii) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all matters related to the payment and allowance of the Firm's fees and expenses shall be decided by the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with the compensation procedures established and required by the Bankruptcy Court.\n\n#### 111. Liability Issues\n\nTo the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, any liability for negligence or otherwise, of the Firm and other persons mentioned hereinbelow arising out of or in any way related to the engagement shall be excluded or limited as follows:\n\n![](_page_21_Picture_2.jpeg)\n\n- (i) at four times the total fees incurred by the Firm for this Engagement, provided that there shall be no such cap with respect to any such liability based on gross negligence or wilful misconduct;\n- (ii) the Firm shall not have any liability (in negligence or otherwise) to any person (other than You) in respect of the engagement unless the Firm has agreed in writing that that person can rely on the Firm's work in respect of the engagement;\n- (iii) the liability of the Firm in respect of any act/omission shall cease at 5.00 p.m. on the date falling on the 36-month anniversary of that act/ornission unless proceedings in respect of any such liability have been issued and served on the Firm by You on or before such time;\n- (iv) having regard to the Firm's interests in limiting the liability and exposure to litigation of any of the Firm's past, present or future shareholders, subsidiaries, and their (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Firm's) respective officers, employees, agents or internal partners, any further liability (in negligence or otherwise) to You (or others) of such persons shall be excluded absolutely but this will not limit or exclude the liability (if any) of the Firm for the acts or omissions of any such person; and\n- (v) any liability for (1) loss of profit and/or (2) indirect and/or consequential foss and/or damage, shall be absolutely excluded.\n\n#### V. Personal Data protection issues\n\n(i) Subject to the proviso of Clause 7.2(iii), above, in providing services to You, We may process personal data that We receive from You and/or through our dealings with You (\"Personal Data\").\n\nSection 2 of the Firm's Privacy Statement (which is available on the Firm's website at htt) (as such Privacy Statement may change from time to time in accordance with its terms) (\"PS\") shall apply as regards the purposes and period for which We may process Personal Data, whether We are acting as a data controller or as a data processor of Personal Data. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Client does not consent to the use of any Personal Data for marketing purposes.\n\n![](_page_22_Picture_2.jpeg)\n\n- (ii) You agree that where You provide or direct the provision of Personal Data to us that: (i) You will have complied with your responsibilities under Data Protection Law in providing us with that Personal Data; and (ii) the processing by us of that Personal Data in accordance with these engagements will not result in us being in breach of Data Protection Law.\n- (iii) Our responsibilities under Data Protection Law will vary depending on whether We act as a data controller or, as the case may be, a data processor of Personal Data.\n- (iv) If We act as a data controller of Personal Data that We receive from You and/or through our dealings with You, We shall comply at all times with our data controller obligations as provided under Data Protection Law. The PS provides additional information about how We process Personal Data when We act as a data controller. Provided that:\n\t- 1. You hereby consent to the transfer of Personal Data outside the European Union for the purposes of our processing of Personal Data referred to in the PS.\n\t- 2. We shall delete or return Personal Data (and any copies of it) not later than the end of February of the 13th year1 following the year during which You shall have fully and finally settled all of your debts in connection with this Engagement Letter, unless We are required by European Union or European Union Member State law to otherwise delete or return or retain the Personal Data.\n- (v) If We act as a data processor or sub-processor of Personal Data that We receive from You and/or through our dealings with You, We shall comply with our data processor obligations as provided under Data Protection Law and with our obligations as set out at points (1) to (12) below. The subject matter of the processing carried out by us is as per Clause 8.IV(i) above, Your obligations and rights as a data controller are as specified under Data Profection Law and this Engagement Letter. To the maximum extent\n\n<sup>1</sup> Rationale for the said period: In Cyprus, following the filing of a tax return by a company such as the Firm, the authorities can, under certain circumstances, raise an enquiry vis-à-vis such tax return during the period extending to the end of the 12th year after the fax year which the tax return concerns. Inquiries can range from simple information requests to detailed technical challenges,\n\n![](_page_23_Picture_1.jpeg)\n\n![](_page_23_Picture_2.jpeg)\n\npermitted by applicable law, We may charge reasonable fees where We are fulfilling our commitments under points (7), (8), (9) and (11) below.\n\n- 1.We shall only process Personal Data in accordance with your instructions, which include providing our services to You, or as required by law. We shall inform You if a law to which We are subject requires us to process the Personal Data other than on your instructions.\n- 2. We shall not transfer the Personal Data to a recipient outside the European Union unless such transfer is consistent with the requirements of Data Protection Law:\n\nProvided that You hereby consent to the transfer of Personal Data outside the European Union for the purposes of our processing of Personal Data as per Clause 8.IV(i) above.\n\nProvided further that to the extent that for the purposes of our processing of Personal Data as necessary for providing You with our services We have to transfer Personal Data outside the European Union, You hereby consent to such transfer and warrant that You shall have yourself pre-emptively ensured that such transfer will be consistent with the requirements of Data Profection Law.\n\n- 3. Firm staff and subcontractors with access to the Personal Data will be subject to a duty of confidentiality.\n- 4. Technical and organisational security measures appropriate to the risks of the Firm's processing of the Personal Data in accordance with Data Protection Law will be in place.\n- 5. You hereby consent to our engagement of any sub-processor to process any Personal Data related to this Engagement Letter, and We on our part undertake that in case of such engagement We shall comply with point (7), below.\n- 6. In the case of general written consent, We shall provide advance written notice to You of any intended changes concerning the addition or subtraction or replacement of sub-processors.\n\n![](_page_24_Picture_1.jpeg)\n\n- 7. We shall require any sub-processor that We engage to process the Personal Data, to adhere to the same obligations that We undertake in this Clause 8.IV to ensure that such processing meets the requirements of Data Protection Law.\n- 8. We shall, insofar as possible and taking into account the nature of the processing, give You reasonable assistance by appropriate technical and organisational measures to fulfil your obligation to respond to individuals' requests to exercise their rights to notice, access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, objection and portability provided for under Data Protection Law.\n- 9. We shall, taking into account the nature of the processing and the information available to us, assist You in ensuring compliance with your obligations under Data Protection Law in regard to security, data breach notification to the supervisory authority and to individuals, and carrying out data protection impact assessments and related consultations with supervisory authorities.\n- 10. We shall delete or return Personal Data (and any copies of it) to You not later than the end of February of the 13th year2 following the year during which You shall have fully and finally settled all of your debts in connection with this Engagement Letter, unless We are required by European Union or European Union Member State law to otherwise delete or return or retain the Personal Data.\n- 11. We shall make available to You all information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the obligations laid down in Article 28 of the GDPR, and for that purpose alone allow for and contribute to audits, including inspections, conducted by You or another auditor mandated by You.\n- 12. We shall immediately inform You if, in our opinion, an instruction infringes the GDPR or other data protection provisions.\n\n<sup>2</sup> Rationale for the said period: In Cyprus, following the filing of a tax return by a company such as the Firm, the authorities can, under certain circumstances, raise an enquiry vis-a-vis such tax return during the period extending to the end of the 12\" year after the tax year which the tax return concerns. Inquiries can range from simple information requests to detailed technical challenges.\n\n![](_page_25_Picture_2.jpeg)\n\n- (vi) Unless otherwise mandated by applicable law You shall exercise your rights under the Data Protection Law and this Clause 8.IV reasonably, using best efforts not to disrupt the ordinary course of business of the Firm, and with the utmost consideration to and respect for your own obligations pursuant to the Data Protection Law and this Engagement Letter, on the one hand, and the Firm's confidentiality and/or data protection obligations in connection with third parties, on the other.\n- (vii) For the purposes of this Clause 8.IV;\n\n-\"Data Protection Law\" means the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) as amended or replaced from time to time (the \"GDPR\") and Cyprus Law 125(l) of 2018 as amended or replaced from time to time, as well as any secondary legislation in force from time to time pursuant to the one or the other or both.\n\n\"Sub-processor\" means any party appointed to process Personal Data on behalf of the Firm for one or more of the purposes for which the Firm itself may process Personal Data.\n\n-The terms \"data controller\", \"data processor\", \"data subject\", \"personal data\", and \"processing\" shall bear the meaning ascribed to the terms \"controller\", \"processor\", \"data subject\", \"personal data\" and \"processing\", respectively, by the GDPR,\n\n#### V. Sundry\n\n- (i) Unless otherwise agreed in writing between the parties, this Engagement Letter may only be modified by a written amendment signed by each of the parties to it.\n- (ii) If any provision of this Engagement Letter is found by any court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of such provision shall not affect any other provision of this Engagement Letter and all provisions not affected by such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will remain in full force and effect.\n\n![](_page_26_Picture_2.jpeg)\n\n- (iii) Except as provided in the order by the Bankruptcy Court authorizing the Client's retention of the Firm, this Engagement Letter constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and extinguishes all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between them, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of such agreement. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, each party agrees that it shall have no remedies in respect of any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made innocently or negligently) that is not referred to in this Engagement Letter.\n- (iv) No party to this Engagement Letter may assign/transfer any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder absent the prior written consent of the other party hereto:\n\nProvided that, in the context of undergoing a merger, de-merger or a transfer of the entirety or a material part of its business, the Firm shall be at liberty to transfer all (but not less than all) of its rights and obligations hereunder to another enterprise duly licensed to offer legal services in Cyprus, so long as the Firm gives at least 21 days' prior written notice of such transfer to the other party hereto.\n\n(v) This Engagement Letter may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when executed shall constitute a duplicate original, but all the counterparts shall together constitute the one agreement.\n\nIf the foregoing accurately reflects our understanding of the terms of engagement kindly arrange for one copy of this Engagement Letter to be signed and returned to us (by email or otherwise) indicating your acceptance of the terms of engagement mentioned herein.\n\nThank You for the opportunity to be of service. We look forward to working with You.\n\nYours Sincerely,\n\nGeorge Middleton For Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC Advocates\n\n![](_page_27_Picture_1.jpeg)\n\nWe hereby confirm that we have reviewed and considered the above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Firm's PS referred to in Clause 8.1V(i)) and we hereby confirm our agreement with and consent to the above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Firm's PS referred to in Clause 8.IV(i)).\n\nName/ Position:\n\nLUC\n\nSignature:\n\nPlace of signing:\n\nJew York, New York\n\nDate:\n\n15 August 2024 For and on behalf of Client (as defined above).\n\n# **Exhibit C**\n\n**Middleton Declaration**\n\n## UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION\n\n| diffe links film free these was nees from was need need noon neen need now neen was anno was and your and |   |                           |  |  |  |\n|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---|---------------------------|--|--|--|\n| In re:                                                                                                    | 세 | Chapter 11                |  |  |  |\n|                                                                                                           | 0 |                           |  |  |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,                                                                                      |   | : Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |  |  |\n| Debtors.                                                                                                  |   | : Jointly Administered    |  |  |  |\n|                                                                                                           |   |                           |  |  |  |\n\n## DECLARATION OF GEORGE MIDDLETON IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330, BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AND LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014-1 AND 2016-1, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF CHRYSSAFINIS & POLYVIOU LLC AS CYPRIOT LAW COUNSEL\n\nI, George Middleton, being duly sworn, do depose and say:\n\n1.\n\nfirm Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC (\"CP Law\"), which maintains its principal office at 37\n\nMetochiou Street, Agios Andreas, Nicosia, Cyprus CY-1101, and I make this declaration (the\n\n\"Declaration\") in support of the Application of Chapter 11 Trustee for Entry of Order, Pursuant\n\nto Sections 327, 328, and 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, and\n\nLocal Bankruptcy Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1, Authorizing and Approving Retention and\n\nEmployment of Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC as Cypriot Law Counsel, with respect to the\n\nThe 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\nTrustee's investigation of the Debtor's estate and assets in Cyprus and related matters (the \"Engagement\").\n\n2. In relation to the Engagement, (a) CP Law's professional client is the estate (the \"Estate\") of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\") in his above-captioned chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\") and (b) CP Law will seek to recover its fees from the Estate and will file fee statements and fee applications in the Chapter 11 Case in accordance with the Interim Compensation Order.\n\n3. I received my LLB from the University of Manchester and my LLM from King's College, London. My experience encompasses insolvency matters, shareholders' disputes, tracing actions, fraud and conspiracy claims and trust-related litigation.\n\n4. and for reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the Engagement pursuant to sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2016, Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1, and any other applicable rules and orders with respect to this Chapter 11 Case, including the Interim Compensation Order.\n\n5. CP Law will charge its normal billing rates in connection with the Engagement. At present, the 2024 hourly rates of CP Law are between €300 and €375 for associates (which, at current exchange rates, converts into approximately \\$335 to \\$419) and €450 for partners (which, at current exchange rates, converts into approximately \\$502). For work conducted by me on this Engagement, CP Law will charge an hourly rate of €450 (which, at current exchange rates. converts into approximately \\$490). CP Law will also will for out-of-pocket expenses made on behalf of the Debtor, including photocopying, postage and package deliveries, court fees, transcripts, witness fees, service fees, travel expenses, and computer-aided research.\n\n6. To the best of my knowledge and belief after due inquiry, CP Law is a \"disinterested person\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\") in that CP Law and each of CP Law's lawyers:\n\n- a. are not creditors, equity security holders, or insiders of the Debtor;\n- b. are not, and were not within two years before the date of filing of the Debtor's petition, directors, officers, or employees of the Debtor; and\n- c. do not have an interest materially adverse to the interest of the Debtor's estate or of any class of creditors or equity security holders, by reason of any direct or indirect relationship to, connection with, or interest in, the Debtor, or for any other reason.\n\n7. I attach to this Declaration, as Schedule 1, a consolidated list of parties in interest in connection with the Chapter 11 Case (the \"Interested Parties\") that has been produced by Paul Hastings and provided to CP Law before my signing this Declaration that I am informed includes:\n\n- a. parties listed as creditors, executory contract counterparties, and codebtors on the Debtor's Schedules D, F, G, and H [Docket No. 78];\n- b. parties listed on the Debtor's Statement of Financial Affairs (\"SOFA\") [Docket No. 77], including (i) as recipients of payments within 90 days prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Case (SOFA Part 3, Question 6); (ii) parties involved in litigation in which the Debtor is a party (SOFA Part 4, Question 9); and businesses owned by the Debtor (SOFA Part 11, Question 27).\n- c. parties and counsel filing notice of appearances in the Chapter 11 Case;\n- d. the Court and personnel of the office of the United States Trustee; and\n- e. other parties in interest that I have become aware of as a result of the Chapter 11 Trustee's ongoing investigation of the Debtor's assets.\n\n8. CP Law has conducted reasonable checks of the Interested Parties against our records and data, and has determined that to the best of our knowledge and belief, neither CP Law nor any of the firm's lawyers, has any relationship or connection with the Interested Parties, or, to the best of my knowledge, with any other creditor of the Debtor, except that:\n\n- a. CP Law was counsel to Ernst & Young LLP on matters unrelated to the Debtor and his chapter 11 case;\n- b. CP Law is counsel to the United States of America on matters unrelated to the Debtor and his chapter 11 case;\n- c. CP Law was counsel to Barclays Bank Plc on matters unrelated to the Debtor and his chapter 11 case;\n- d. CP Law was counsel to Morgan Stanley Principal Investments Inc. on matters unrelated to the Debtor and his chapter 11 case.\n\n9. While CP Law has made a diligent effort to ascertain the identity of any connections or potential conflicts with the Interested Parties, to the extent that any additional information comes to light, I will review, disclose, and resolve any conflict or adverse interests that may appear.\n\n10. Based on the foregoing, insofar as I have been able to ascertain based on the information currently available to me: (a) CP Law and each its lawyers have no connection with the Debtor, his creditors, the U.S. Trustee, any person employed in the office of the U.S. Trustee, or any other party with an actual or potential interest in the Debtor or his respective attorneys or\n\naccountants; and (b) (i) CP Law and each its lawyers are not creditors, equity security holders, or insiders of the Debtor or his affiliates, (ii) CP Law and each its lawyers have not been, within two years before the Petition Date, a director, officer, or employee of the Debtor or his affiliates, and (iii) CP Law and each its lawyers do not have any interest materially adverse to the interests of the Debtor's estate or any class of creditors or equity security holders by reason of any direct or indirect relationship to, connection with, or interest in the Debtor, or for any other reason. Therefore, I understand from my discussions with Paul Hastings that this means CP Law is a \"disinterested person\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by section 1107(b).\n\n11. I further understand from such discussions that Appendix B of the U.S. Trustee Guidelines (the \"Larger Case Guidelines\") does not apply in this Chapter 11 Case, because the Debtor's petition does not list \\$50 million or more in assets and \\$50 million or more in liabilities. In particular, I am informed that the Debtor estimated the value of his assets between \\$50,001 and \\$100,000.\n\n12. In the interest of providing maximum disclosure, and notwithstanding my position concerning the inapplicability of the Larger Case Guidelines, I provide the following response on behalf of CP Law to the request for information set forth in Paragraph D.1. of the Larger Case Guidelines:\n\n- Question: Did you agree to any variations from, or alternatives to, your standard or customary billing arrangements for this engagement?\n- No. Answer:\n- Question: Do any of the professionals included in this engagement vary their rate based on the geographic location of the bankruptcy case?\n\nAnswer: No.\n\nQuestion: If you represented the client in the 12 months prepetition, disclose your billing rates and material financial terms for the prepetition engagement, including any adjustments during the 12 months prepetition. If your billing rates and material financial terms have changed postpetition, explain the difference and the reasons for the difference.\n\n- Answer: Not applicable. CP Law has not previously represented the Chapter 11 Trustee.\n- Question: Has your client approved your prospective budget and staffing plan, and, if so, for what budget period?\n\nNot applicable. Answer:\n\n13. I have neither shared nor agreed to share with any other person compensation\n\nreceived in connection with the Engagement, except as is permitted by section 504(b)(1) of the\n\nBankruptcy Code.\n\n14. I consent that the following language may be included in any order by the Court\n\napproving the Chapter 11 Trustee's application in connection with my instruction in connection\n\nwith the Engagement.\n\nAllowance of any compensation for CP Law shall be limited to the extent of services actually performed, and expenses actually incurred, as solicitors instructed to act on behalf of for the Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins, and shall not include compensation for the performance of any of the trustee duties that are generally performed by a Chapter 11 trustee without the assistance of an attorney.\n\nPursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746, I declare under penalty of perjury that the above statements\n\nare true and correct.\n\nDated: September 20, 2024, at Nicosia, Cyprus\n\nGeorge Middleton\n\n#### Schedule 1\n\n#### SCHEDULE OF PARTIES IN INTEREST - IN RE KWOK\n\n#### 20 LARGEST UNSECURED CREDITORS\n\nPACIFIC ALLIANCE ASIA OPPORTUNITY GOLDEN SPRING NEW YORK RUI MA CHENG JIAN WU JIAN SHE NING YE GUO BAOSHENG YAN LAN & WU ZHENG HONG QI QU NAN TONG SI JIAN JIAN GONG YAN ZHAO YUA HUA ZHUANG SHI LIEHONG ZHUANG/XIAO YAN ZHU WEICAN MENG/BOXUN INC. SAMUEL NUNBERG LAMP CAPITAL LLC JUN CHEN AKA JONATHAN HO YÜE HUA ZHU SHI XIONG XIAN WEI YE HUIZEN WANG\n\n# DEBTOR, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND\n\nCERTAIN RELATED ENTITIES HO WAN KWOK (A.K.A MILES GWOK, MILES GUO AND WENGUI GUO) HING CH NGOK/YUE QINGZHI QIANG GUO (A.K.A. MILESON GUO) MEI GUO/MEI GUI HK INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INVESTMENTS (USA) LIMITED, LLC BRAVO LUCK LIMITED GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC\n\n#### BANKRUPTCY JUDGE AND U.S. TRUSTEE PERSONNEL\n\nHONORABLE JULIE A. MANNING WILLIAM HARRINGTON KIM L. MCCABE HOLLEY CLAIBORN JOSEPH H. FLAMINI ERIN HOGAN STEVEN MACKEY FRANK MARINO JENNIFER J. MOREY NICOLE NEELY SHARON WARNER JOHN GERVAIS\n\nOTHER INTERESTED PARTIES 1245 FACTORY PLACE, LLC 12476517 CANADA SOCIETY 1322089 B.C. LTD. 1332156 B.C. LTD 17 MILES, LLC 2 B PACKING LLC 270 W. 39TH ST. CO., LLC 2LAWRENCE RIVER 3 COLUMBUS CIRCLE LLC 5780 SAGUARO LLC 7 NOD HILL LLC, 7 STAR EAST NY LLC 9 EAST 40TH STREET LLC A.Z. BIGIOTTERIE S.A.S. DI ZANUTTO GABRIELE & C. AAGV LIMITED AARON A. MITCHELL AARON A. ROMNEY ABRAMS FENSTERMAN, LLP ACA CAPITAL GROUP LIMITED ACA CAPITAL LIMITED ACA INVESTMENT FUND ACA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LTD. ACASS CANADA LTD. ACE DECADE HOLDINGS LIMITED ADAM CHEN NI AFFILIATED ADJUSTMENT GROUP, LTD. AGORA LAB, INC. AI GROUP HOLDINGS INC., AIG PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY AKERMANIIP ALEX HAD.ICHARALAMBOUS ALFA GLOBAL VENTURES LIMITED ALFONSO GLOBAL LIMITED ALFONSO GLOBAL VENTURES LIMITED ALLIED CAPITAL GLOBAL LIMITED ALPINE FIDUCIARIES SA AMAZING SKY AVIATION LIMITED AMAZON WEB SERVICES LLC AMAZON WEB SERVICES, INC. AMAZON.COM INC. AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION, INC. AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY AMY BUCK AN HONG ANA C. IZQUIERDO-HENN ANDREW CHILDE ANDREW SULNER/FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATIONS, LLC","body_zh":"美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院（UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION）\n\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n关于：　：\n：　第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，　：\n：　案件编号 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1　：\n：\n：　联合管理\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327、328及330条、《联邦破产程序规则》第2014及2016条以及地方法院《破产程序规则》第2014-1及2016-1条申请作出命令，授权并批准聘请及雇用 CHRYSSAFINIS & POLYVIOU LLC（克里萨菲尼斯与波利维乌有限责任公司）担任塞浦路斯法律顾问\n\nLuc A. Despins 先生以其作为上述 Ho Wan Kwok（“债务人”）第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中获指定的第11章受托人（“第11章受托人”）的身份，根据《美国法典》第11编（“破产法典”）第327、328及330条、《联邦破产程序规则》（“破产规则”）第2014及2016条，以及美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院（“法院”）地方法院《破产程序规则》（“地方破产规则”）第2014-1及2016-1条，提交本申请（“本申请”），请求作出一项实质上采用随附附件A所载形式的命令（“拟议命令”），批准第11章受托人自 August 15, 2024 起按照随附\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（金尼维尔控股有限责任公司）（税务识别号码后四位：8202）及 Genever Holdings Corporation（金尼维尔控股公司）。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 及 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP（博钦律师事务所），200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，c/o 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\n附件B所载委聘函（“委聘函”）中规定的条款，聘用 Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC（“CP Law”）担任塞浦路斯法律顾问。为支持本申请，第11章受托人提交随附附件C的《George Middleton 为支持第11章受托人根据〈破产法典〉第327、328及330条、〈破产程序规则〉第2014及2016条以及地方〈破产程序规则〉第2014-1及2016-1条申请作出命令，授权并批准聘请及雇用 Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC 担任塞浦路斯法律顾问而作出的声明》（“Middleton 声明”），该声明通过援引并入本文。为进一步支持本申请，第11章受托人谨陈述如下：\n\n请求的救济\n\n1. 在调查债务人的金融公司过程中，受托人发现位于塞浦路斯的资产（包括不动产）以及在塞浦路斯发生的转让。2 因此，受托人需要一家塞浦路斯律师事务所进一步调查这些事项，尤其是受托人可能需要向塞浦路斯法院提交诉状，以就该等事项寻求证据开示。第11章受托人基于 CP Law 对金融调查、破产及资金和财产追踪的熟悉程度，选择 CP Law 担任其法律顾问。\n\n2. 第11章受托人通过本申请请求作出拟议命令，授权并批准自 August 15, 2024 起按照委聘函规定的条款，聘请及雇用 CP Law 担任第11章受托人的塞浦路斯法律顾问，以协助受托人努力追回可能位于塞浦路斯的债务人遗产资产。\n\n2 如下文进一步详述，受托人最近对 Bouillor Holdings Limited（布伊约尔控股有限公司）提起对抗程序；该公司为一家名义上由债务人之子 Qiang Guo（郭强）拥有的塞浦路斯实体，以追回债务人在塞浦路斯利马索尔的豪华高层公寓。\n\n管辖权、审判地及法定依据\n\n3. 法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 以及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格州联邦地区法院）的移送常设命令，对本事项具有管辖权。本事项属于 28 U.S.C. § 157(b) 所称的核心程序。\n\n4. 根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409，本地区为适当审判地。\n\n5. 本文所请求救济的法定依据为《破产法典》第327(a)、328(a)及330条，以及在适用范围内的《破产规则》第2014及2016条和地方《破产规则》第2014-1及2016-1条。\n\n背景\n\n6. 于 February 15, 2022（“申请日”），债务人向法院提交了根据《破产法典》第11章请求救济的自愿申请。\n\n7. 于 March 21, 2022，United States Trustee（美国受托人）在债务人的第11章案件中指定了无担保债权人正式委员会（“委员会”）。\n\n8. 于 June 15, 2022，法院作出备忘决定及命令 [Docket No. 465]（“受托人命令”），指示美国受托人在第11章案件中指定一名第11章受托人。根据受托人命令，美国受托人选定 Luc A. Despins 担任第11章受托人 [Docket No. 514]。\n\n9. 于 July 8, 2022，法院作出命令，批准指定 Luc A. Despins 担任第11章案件中的第11章受托人 [Docket No. 523]。\n\n10. 于 August 15, 2024，受托人对包括 Bouillor Holdings Limited（一家塞浦路斯实体）在内的人员提起诉状 [Adv. Proc. No. 24-05311, Docket No. 1]（“诉状”，该对抗程序称为“Bouillor AP”）。\n\nCP LAW 的资格\n\n11. CP Law 是一家位于 37 Metochiou Street, Agios Andreas, Nicosia, Cyprus CY-1101 的律师事务所。CP Law 是一家享有盛誉的塞浦路斯律师事务所，执业领域涵盖多项商业咨询及诉讼业务。该所目前雇用约30名律师，并由律师助理及支持人员协助。\n\n12. 例如，George Middleton（乔治·米德尔顿）及其 CP Law 团队曾在塞浦路斯法院的各类破产及追偿事项中，代理多家塞浦路斯银行（包括 Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited（塞浦路斯银行公众有限公司）、Alpha Bank Cyprus Limited（塞浦路斯阿尔法银行有限公司）、Cyprus Development Bank Public Company Limited（塞浦路斯开发银行公众有限公司）及其他本地贷款人），并代理旨在为债权人利益追回资金的破产从业人员。\n\n13. CP Law 在包括破产事项、调查追踪诉讼、欺诈及共谋相关事项在内的执业领域具有专业知识。CP Law 的业务涵盖塞浦路斯广泛的法律服务。\n\n预计服务\n\n14. 第11章受托人预计 CP Law 将协助其调查与债务人有关、发生在塞浦路斯的资产（包括不动产）及转让，包括 Bouillor AP 中所涉事项。3 鉴于 CP Law 作为塞浦路斯法律顾问所承担职能的专业性质，聘用 CP Law 不会造成服务重复。\n\n3 为维护正在进行的调查的保密性，受托人不会披露被认为位于塞浦路斯的确切资金及资产。\n\nCP LAW 的报酬\n\n15. CP Law 拟根据《破产法典》第330及331条、《破产规则》第2016条、地方《破产规则》第2016-1条，以及有关本第11章案件的任何其他适用规则和命令，包括《确立受聘专业人士临时报酬及费用偿还程序的命令》（该命令可能经修订，称为“临时报酬命令”），向法院申请本第11章案件中提供的专业服务的报酬及所发生费用的偿还。\n\n16. CP Law 将就受托人调查所需服务，按其通常适用的小时费率向债务人收取法律服务费。\n\n17. 目前，CP Law 2024年的小时费率为：律师 €300 至 €375（按现行汇率折合约 \\$335 至 \\$419），合伙人 €450（按现行汇率折合约 \\$502）。CP Law 还将就代表债务人支付的自付费用收费，包括影印、邮资及包裹递送、法院费用、庭审记录、翻译费用、证人费用、送达费用、差旅费用及计算机辅助检索。\n\n18. CP Law 已请求，且第11章受托人现请求授权，允许 CP Law 以 Euro (EUR) 开具其费用及支出账单，并以 Euro (EUR) 支付该等费用及支出，但须受临时报酬命令条款的约束。\n\n19. 债务人主张，CP Law 的小时费率合理，与 CP Law 在其他委聘中的小时费率相当，并处于提供相同服务且技能相当的专业人士所收取费率的范围内。\n\nCP LAW 无利害关系\n\n20. 据第11章受托人基于 Middleton 声明所知，并除其中所披露者外，CP Law 与债务人、其债权人或任何其他利害关系方、其各自律师和会计师、美国受托人或美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人士不存在任何关系。\n\n21. 更具体而言，依据 Middleton 声明，并除其中所披露者外，第11章受托人相信：(a) CP Law 与债务人、其债权人、美国受托人、美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人士，或对债务人或其各自律师或会计师具有实际或潜在利益的任何其他方不存在任何联系；及 (b) CP Law 及其雇员 (i) 并非债务人或其关联方的债权人、股权证券持有人或内部人，(ii) 在申请日前两年内未曾担任债务人或其关联方的董事、高级管理人员或雇员，及 (iii) 未因与债务人的任何直接或间接关系、联系或利益，或因任何其他原因，而拥有实质上不利于债务人遗产或任何类别债权人或股权证券持有人利益的任何利益。因此，第11章受托人相信，经第1107(b)条修正后，CP Law 是《破产法典》第101(14)条所称的“无利害关系人士”。\n\n22. 基于 Middleton 声明，第11章受托人相信，CP Law 在第11章案件中不代表任何与无担保债权人利益相冲突的利益。\n\n请求救济的依据\n\n23. 第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327(a)条请求聘请及雇用 CP Law 担任其塞浦路斯法律顾问；该条规定，受托人在获得\n\n法院批准的前提下，可以雇用“未持有或代表对遗产不利利益且为无利害关系人士”的专业人士，以代表或协助受托人履行其根据本编承担的职责。\n\n24. 根据《破产法典》第328(a)条，经破产法院批准，受托人可根据《破产法典》第327(a)条，“按照任何合理的雇用条款和条件，包括按预付金、按小时、按固定费用或百分比费用，或按风险代理费用”，雇用专业人士。11 U.S.C. § 328(a)。\n\n25. 《破产规则》第2014(a)条规定，聘用申请应包括：\n\n显示雇用必要性的具体事实、拟雇用的［律师事务所］名称、选择理由、将提供的专业服务、任何拟议的报酬安排，以及据申请人所知，［律师事务所］与债务人、债权人、任何其他利害关系方、其各自律师和会计师、美国受托人之间的所有联系。\n\n26. 第11章受托人需要塞浦路斯律师的服务以履行其职责。CP Law 将努力避免重复工作，并尽可能高效地提供服务。\n\n27. 因此，按照本文件及拟议命令所载条款聘用 CP Law 作为第11章受托人的塞浦路斯法律顾问，属合理之举且符合债务人财产的最佳利益。\n\n28. 第11章受托人提出，CP Law 的费率合理，可与其他委聘项目的费率相比，并处于提供相同服务且具有相当技能的专业人士所收取费率的范围内。\n\n29. 地方法院破产规则 2014-1 规定，如“在该专业人士开始提供服务后三十（30）日内提交聘用专业人士的申请，则除非法院另有命令，该申请应被视为同时提交。”因此，第11章受托人请求授权其自 August 15, 2024 起保留并聘用 CP Law，该日为 CP Law 开始向第11章受托人提供服务之日。4\n\n通知\n\n30. 本申请的通知已送达美国受托人、债务人、委员会，以及通过使用法院电子提交（“CM/ECF”）系统进行电子提交的方式送达所有使用 CM/ECF 系统的出庭当事人。\n\n无先前请求\n\n31. 此前未曾向本法院或任何其他法院提出过本申请所请求救济的申请。\n\n[本页其余部分特意留白。]\n\n4 尽管 August 15, 2024 在本申请提交日期之前 39 天，受托人仍请求该聘用自 August 15, 2024 起生效。\n\n结论\n\n因此，基于上述理由，第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins（吕克·A·德斯潘斯）请求法院作出一项命令，其形式应基本依照随附提交的拟议命令，准予本申请，并授权第11章受托人聘用 CP Law 作为塞浦路斯法律顾问，以及作出法院认为公正和适当的其他及进一步救济。\n\n日期：September 23, 2024　Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）第11章案件的第11章受托人\n\n/s/ Luc A. Despins　Luc A. Despins\n\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（康涅狄格联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n关于：　：\n：　第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人，1　：\n：　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。　：\n：　（联合管理）\n------------------------------------------------------x　：\n\n送达证明\n\n下列签署人特此证明，于 September 23, 2024，上述申请已通过电子方式提交。该提交的通知已通过法院电子提交（“CM/ECF”）系统的自动运行，以电子邮件方式发送给上述标题第11章案件的所有当事人，或按电子提交通知所示，以邮件方式发送给无法接受电子提交的任何人。\n\n当事人可通过法院的 CM/ECF 系统查阅该提交文件。\n\n日期：September 23, 2024　New York, New York\n\n签署人：/s/ G. Alexander Bongartz\n\nG. Alexander Bongartz（G. Alexander Bongartz，获准 pro hac vice 出庭）　PAUL HASTINGS LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）　200 Park Avenue　New York, New York 10166　(212) 318-6079　alexbongartz@paulhastings.com\n\n第11章受托人的律师\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（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）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 财产的受托人（仅为通知和通信之目的）。\n\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（康涅狄格联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n关于：　：\n：　第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人，　：\n：　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1　：\n：\n：　联合管理\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n[拟议]命令（A）准予第11章受托人依据《破产法典》第 327、328 和 330 条、《破产程序联邦规则》第 2014 和 2016 条以及地方法院破产规则第 2014-1 和 2016-1 条提出的申请，授权并批准保留及聘用 CHRYSSAFINIS & POLYVIOU LLC（CP Law）作为塞浦路斯法律顾问\n\n基于第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins（“第11章受托人”）在上述标题第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中提出的申请（“本申请”）2，即：(a) 请求授权第11章受托人依据《美国法典》第 11 编（“破产法典”）第 327、328 和 330 条、《破产程序联邦规则》（“破产规则”）第 2014 和 2016 条，以及 United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格联邦破产法院）的《地方法院破产程序规则》（“地方法院破产规则”）第 2014-1 和 2016-1 条，自 August 15, 2024 起保留并聘用 Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC（“CP Law”）作为其在塞浦路斯的法律顾问，所有具体内容均载于本申请及委聘函；并经审议本申请及\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（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）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 财产的受托人（仅为通知和通信之目的）。\n\n2 凡本命令中使用但未另行定义的首字母大写术语，均具有本申请或 Middleton 声明中规定的含义。\n\nMiddleton 声明；且本法院依据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 和 1334 以及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格联邦地区法院）的移送常设命令，对审议本申请及其中请求的救济具有管辖权；且依据 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)，对本申请及其中请求救济的审议构成核心程序；且依据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 和 1409，本法院为适当审理地点；且法院已认定：(i) 本申请中请求的救济符合债务人财产、其债权人及所有利害关系方的最佳利益；(ii) 本申请、Middleton 声明中所述的法律及事实依据，以及本法院就本申请举行的任何听证会记录，确立了准予本命令项下救济的正当理由；(iii) CP Law 为《破产法典》第 101(14) 条所定义并为《破产法典》第 327(a) 条所要求的“无利害关系人士”；及 (iv) CP Law 及其雇员不持有或代表与债务人财产相冲突的利益；且已在具体情形下就本申请作出适当且充分的通知；且看来无需作出任何其他或进一步通知；且基于本法院此前进行的全部程序；并经适当审议且有充分理由，现特此命令如下：\n\n1. 按照本命令所载内容，准予本申请。\n\n2. 授权第11章受托人按照本申请、委聘函及 Middleton 声明所载条款，自 August 15, 2024 起保留并聘用 CP Law 作为其塞浦路斯法律顾问。\n\n3. 授权 CP Law 作为第11章受托人的律师行事，并提供本申请所述服务。\n\n4. 就该项委聘而言，破产财产应负责 CP Law 的报酬及费用偿还。\n\n5. 应付给 CP Law 的任何报酬的核定，应依照《破产法典》第 330 和 331 条、破产规则第 2016 条、地方法院破产规则第 2016-1 条及临时报酬命令所规定的程序确定。\n\n6. 对 CP Law 的任何报酬核定，应限于其实际作为第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins 的塞浦路斯法律顾问所提供的服务范围，且不应包括对通常由第11章受托人在无律师协助情况下履行的任何受托人职责所提供服务的报酬。\n\n7. 授权 CP Law 以欧元（EUR）开具其费用及支出的发票，并依照临时报酬命令的条款以欧元（EUR）收取该等费用及支出。以欧元（EUR）支付的款项，应按付款日适用的汇率从美元兑换为欧元（EUR）。\n\n8. CP Law 在实施其所收取费率的任何上调之前，应至少提前十个营业日向第11章受托人、美国受托人及任何正式委员会的律师发出通知，并应向法院提交该通知。\n\n9. 授权并赋予第11章受托人采取一切必要行动以落实本命令所准予的救济。\n\n10. 本申请的内容满足地方法院破产规则的要求。\n\n11. 如本申请、委聘函及 Middleton 声明与本命令不一致，应以本命令的条款为准。\n\n12. 本命令的条款和条件应于录入后立即生效并可执行。\n\n13. 本法院应保留对因实施、解释及执行本命令而产生或与之相关的所有事项的管辖权。\n\n附件 B\n\n委聘函\n\nCHRYSSAFINIS OLDARDOS A\n\nchryssafinis.polyviou@cplaw.com.cy　www@cplaw.com.cy\n\nChryssafinis & Polyviou LLC　办公地址：37 Metochiou Str., Agios Andreas CY-1101, Nicosia, Cyprus\n邮寄地址：P.O. Box 21238, CY-1504 Nicosia, Cyprus\n\n电话号码：\n\n总机　：+357 22 361000\n诉讼部　+357 22 361200\n国际公司部：+357 22 361 100\n传真号码：\n总机　：+357 22 678011\n诉讼部　：+357 22 681780\n国际公司部　. +357 22 679750\n\n15 August 2024\n\n受法律特权保护且保密\n\nLuc. A. Despins，作为 Ho Wan Kwok 第11章破产财产的受托人\nc/o Paul Hastings LLP\n200 Park Avenue\nNew York, New York 10166\n\n敬启者：\n\n事由：委聘函（该术语包括本委聘函以及根据其条款不时作出的变更）\n\n我们特此确认，我们欣然代表 Luc A. Despins 作为 Ho Wan Kwok 第11章破产财产受托人（“客户”）行事。本委聘函的目的在于概述并确认 Chryssafinis and Polyviou LLC（“本所”/“我们”，该术语包括后者获准的受让人）依照本委聘函受贵方委聘（“委聘”）的条款和条件。\n\n1. 委聘所涵盖的工作范围\n\n就客户为追回位于塞浦路斯的 Ho Wan Kwok 潜在资产所作努力向其提供意见；Ho Wan Kwok 为在 United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格联邦破产法院）（“破产法院”）待决的第11章案件中的债务人。\n\n2. 委聘未涵盖的工作范围\n\n- 任何尽职调查工作。\n- 公司管理服务。\n- 上述第 1 条未具体提及的任何其他工作。\n\n应当指出，我们不能且不会就任何会计和/或审计和/或精算和/或商业和/或技术和/或个人数据保护和/或制裁事项提供服务，亦不能就塞浦路斯以外任何司法管辖区的法律提供意见。\n\n指示和通信　3.\n\n我们理解，就本委聘而言，我们将接受 Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯潘斯）（lucdespins@paulhastings.com）、Nicholas Bassett（尼古拉斯·巴塞特）及 G. Alexander Bongartz（G. 亚历山大·邦加茨）（nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com）、（alexbongartz@paulhastings.com）的指示。\n\n所有指示及相关文件均应发送给我们，并注明由 George Middleton（乔治·米德尔顿）（gmiddleton@cplaw.com.cy）及 Christos Ioannou（克里斯托斯·约安努）（cioannou@cplaw.com.cy）收阅，或按我们另行书面通知的方式发送。无论如何，贵方保证，贵方不得发出任何指示／指令／请求，如我们遵从该等指示／指令／请求，将使我们面临在世界任何地方承担行政和／或纪律和／或民事和／或刑事责任的实际风险。\n\n4. 费用：\n\n除非贵方与我们另有书面约定，我们的费用将按届时适用的小时费率计收。目前的小时费率如下。\n\n合伙人，每小时 €450\n\n高级律师，每小时 €375\n\n律师，每小时 €300。\n\n5. 成本及垫付款项\n\n贵方还应负责向本所偿还本所因本委聘所涵盖工作范围而发生的所有成本。如本所为满足贵方规定的期限而不得不在晚上或周末为不可计费的行政人员加班产生额外费用，任何加班费用将单独计费，且仅在贵方已事先正式批准该等计费的情况下由贵方支付。\n\n5. 账户结单／发票及付款\n\n除非贵方以书面另有指示，向贵方提供的服务所开具的发票将寄送给贵方。付款必须存入本所在各相关收费单中注明的银行账户。每张该等发票均应提及本委聘。\n\n尽管本文件中有任何相反规定，已提供服务的报酬及费用偿还应按照破产法院根据适当申请所允许的金额，并依照破产法院制定及要求的报酬程序支付。\n\n为免生疑，Despins 先生以其个人身份及 Paul Hastings LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯有限责任合伙律师事务所）均不对已提供服务的报酬或费用偿还承担责任。\n\n6. 终止\n\n6.1. 本文件任何一方均可随时终止本委聘，但须至少提前 14 天向另一方发出关于该终止的书面通知；该终止不影响任一方已经产生的权利和／或义务，亦不影响任何旨在于该终止后继续有效的规定。\n\n6.2. 如终止方合理认为，另一方违反其在本委聘函项下的任何义务，和／或继续本委聘将使终止方面临声誉受损的实际风险（包括但不限于，另一方和／或其任何高级人员和／或其任何直接或间接股东或子公司在世界任何地方受到制裁的情形），和／或面临在世界任何地方承担任何行政和／或纪律和／或民事和／或刑事责任的风险，本文件任何一方均可随时向另一方发出关于该终止的书面通知以终止本委聘（不影响任一方已经产生的权利和／或义务，亦不影响任何旨在于该终止后继续有效的规定）。\n\n6.3. 如本委聘被终止，贵方应立即向本所支付截至该终止日期依照本委聘条款应付的任何款项，且任何该等款项应按照破产法院制定及要求的报酬程序支付。\n\n6.4. 尽管本委聘函有任何其他规定，如本所认为：（1）向其作出的任何指示或指令含糊不清或相互冲突；和／或（2）如其依照该等指示或指令行事，将违反 Cyprus（塞浦路斯）法律（或任何其他司法管辖区的法律）和／或将面临声誉受损，则本所有权拒绝采取任何行动。\n\n7. 披露\n\n7.1. 在遵守下文第 7.2 条规定的前提下，如本委聘函的一方（“X 方”）直接或间接取得与本委聘函另一方（“Y 方”）的个人和／或业务和／或资产和／或事务有关的任何信息，X 方应始终确保其股东、高级人员、雇员、代理人及内部合伙人（如适用）对该等信息严格保密，且不得向任何人披露，亦不得将其用于未经 Y 方明确书面授权的任何目的。\n\n7.2. 本委聘函的一方有权披露与本委聘函另一方的个人和／或业务和／或资产和／或事务有关的信息：\n\n（i）向第三方披露，但以该等披露已获本委聘函另一方明确书面授权为限；\n\n（ii）向第三方披露，但以所披露的信息已在不引致披露方承担责任的情况下进入公共领域为限；\n\n（iii）向第三方披露，但以适用法律要求该等披露为限：\n\n前提是，本所在作出任何该等披露前至少提前七（7）天发出书面通知，且\n\n进一步前提是，尽管本委聘函有任何其他规定，鉴于贵方与本所之间的关系受法律专业保密特权保护（按 Cyprus（塞浦路斯）法律不时适用），就贵方已从事和／或不时从事的任何交易而言，本所不会根据 Council Directive (EU) 2018/822 of May 25, 2018（经不时修订、替换或转化〔无论在 Cyprus（塞浦路斯）或其他地方〕）（“DAC 6”）向任何主管机关作出任何申报；且贵方向本所保证，第一，贵方应完整保存与本委聘所涵盖工作范围有关的贵方已从事和／或不时从事的任何交易的记录；第二，贵方应在税务顾问的协助下持续审查该等交易，以使任何该等交易中可能需要根据 DAC 6 申报的任何方面（包括但不限于，根据经不时修订或替换的 Law 205(1)/2012 s.7Δ(6)）均由贵方和／或贵方的税务顾问和／或贵方的其他协作者按照 DAC 6 的要求向任何相关主管机关正式申报（不包括本所）；以及第三，应本所要求，贵方应立即向本所提供由贵方和／或贵方的税务顾问和／或贵方的其他协作者作出的任何 DAC 6 申报的确认（以本所善意并合理地认定该等申报的事项与本委聘有关为限）；\n\n（iv）在根据下文第 8.11 条进行的任何司法程序中，但以该等披露系善意作出为限；\n\n（v）在世界任何地方进行的任何行政和／或纪律和／或民事和／或刑事程序中为自身辩护时，但以披露方善意并合理地认定该等披露为适当为自身辩护所必需为限；\n\n（vi）如披露方为本所，向为本所提供会计和／或精算和／或审计和／或银行和／或商业咨询和／或公司行政／管理和／或人力资源和／或保险和／或技术和／或法律和／或安保（如个人数据保护等）和／或税务服务的第三方服务提供商披露，但以该等服务提供商向本所提供该等服务所必需为限，且前提是：（a）相关服务提供商负有保密义务，且（b）客户事先书面同意任何该等披露；\n\n（vii）如披露方为本所，且被披露的信息构成个人数据（定义见下文第 8 条）：\n\n在为保护数据主体（定义见下文第 8 条）或另一自然人的重大利益所必需时，向第三方披露，但前提是，本所在作出任何该等披露前至少提前七（7）天发出书面通知。此处“重大利益”的概念系指 GDPR（定义见下文第 8 条）中所使用含义的“重大利益”。\n\n8. 准据法、塞浦路斯法院管辖权及其他事项\n\nI. 准据法\n\n本委聘函，以及因其产生或与其有关的任何非合同义务，均受 Cyprus（塞浦路斯）法律管辖。\n\nII. Cyprus（塞浦路斯）法院的管辖权\n\n（i）Cyprus（塞浦路斯）法院对因本委聘函产生或与本委聘函有关的任何争议（包括有关本委聘函或因本委聘函产生或与本委聘函有关的任何非合同义务的存在、有效性或终止的争议）（“争议”）享有专属管辖权。\n\n（ii）双方同意，Cyprus（塞浦路斯）法院是解决争议最适当及最便利的法院，因此任何人均不得提出相反主张。\n\n（iii）尽管本文件中有任何相反规定，与本所费用及开支的支付和批准有关的一切事项，均应由破产法院依照破产法院制定及要求的报酬程序决定。\n\nIII. 责任问题\n\n在适用法律允许的最大范围内，本所及下文所提及其他人士因本委聘产生或以任何方式与本委聘有关的任何过失或其他责任，应按如下方式予以排除或限制：\n\n（i）以本所就本委聘产生的费用总额的四倍为限，但基于重大过失或故意不当行为的任何该等责任不受此上限限制；\n\n（ii）除非本所已书面同意该人士可依赖本所就本委聘所作的工作，否则本所不对任何人士（贵方除外）就本委聘承担任何责任（无论因过失或其他原因）；\n\n（iii）本所就任何作为／不作为承担的责任，于该作为／不作为发生满 36 个月之日的下午 5:00 终止，除非贵方已在该时间或之前就任何该等责任提起程序并向本所送达；\n\n（iv）鉴于本所有意限制本所任何过去、现在或未来的股东、子公司及其各自（包括但不限于本所）的高级人员、雇员、代理人或内部合伙人的责任及其面临诉讼的风险，该等人士对贵方（或他人）的任何进一步责任（无论因过失或其他原因）应被完全排除，但这并不限制或排除本所就任何该等人士的作为或不作为承担的责任（如有）；以及\n\n（v）对（1）利润损失和／或（2）间接和／或后果性损失和／或损害的任何责任，均应被完全排除。\n\nV. 个人数据保护问题\n\n（i）在遵守上文第 7.2(iii) 条但书的前提下，在向贵方提供服务时，我们可能处理从贵方接收和／或通过与贵方往来而取得的个人数据（“个人数据”）。\n\n本所隐私声明（可于本所网站 htt 查阅）第2节（该隐私声明可根据其条款不时变更）（以下简称“PS”）应适用于本所可能处理个人数据的目的及期限，无论本所是作为个人数据的数据控制者还是数据处理者。尽管有上述规定，客户不同意将任何个人数据用于营销目的。\n\n- (ii) 您同意，如您向本所提供或指示向本所提供个人数据：(i) 您在向本所提供该等个人数据时，将已履行您在数据保护法下的责任；及(ii) 本所根据本委聘约定处理该等个人数据，不会导致本所违反数据保护法。\n- (iii) 本所在数据保护法下的责任将因本所作为个人数据的数据控制者，或视情况作为数据处理者而有所不同。\n- (iv) 如本所作为本所从您处及/或通过与您往来而取得的个人数据的数据控制者，本所应始终遵守数据保护法规定的本所数据控制者义务。PS载有关于本所在作为数据控制者时如何处理个人数据的补充信息。但条件是：\n\t- 1. 您特此同意，为本所按照PS所述处理个人数据之目的，将个人数据转移至欧盟以外。\n\t- 2. 本所应最迟于您已就本委聘函项下的全部债务作出完全及最终清偿之年度后的第13年1的2月底前，删除或返还个人数据（及其任何副本），除非欧盟或欧盟成员国法律要求本所以其他方式删除、返还或保留该等个人数据。\n- (v) 如本所作为本所从您处及/或通过与您往来而取得的个人数据的数据处理者或次级处理者，本所应遵守数据保护法规定的数据处理者义务，以及下文第(1)至(12)项所列义务。本所所进行处理的标的事项如上文第8.IV(i)条所述；您作为数据控制者的义务和权利，应以数据保护法及本委聘函所规定者为准。在适用法律允许的最大范围内，如本所在履行下文第(7)、(8)、(9)及(11)项下承诺时，本所可收取合理费用。\n\n1 所述期限的理由：在塞浦路斯，在本所此类公司提交纳税申报表后，主管机关可在特定情况下，于该纳税申报表所涉课税年度后第12年届满前的期间内，就该纳税申报表提出查询。查询可从简单的信息请求至详细的技术性质质询不等。\n\n- 1. 本所仅应按照您的指示处理个人数据，该等指示包括向您提供本所服务，或依法律要求处理。本所如受其约束的法律要求本所并非依照您的指示处理个人数据，本所应通知您。\n- 2. 除非该等转移符合数据保护法的要求，否则本所不得将个人数据转移给欧盟以外的接收方：\n\n但条件是，您特此同意，为本所按照上文第8.IV(i)条所述处理个人数据之目的，将个人数据转移至欧盟以外。\n\n进一步条件是，如为向您提供本所服务而必须进行的个人数据处理之目的，本所必须将个人数据转移至欧盟以外，您特此同意该等转移，并保证您将已自行预先确保该等转移符合数据保护法的要求。\n\n- 3. 可接触个人数据的本所员工及分包商均应负有保密义务。\n- 4. 本所将采取符合数据保护法、与本所处理个人数据所涉风险相适应的技术及组织安全措施。\n- 5. 您特此同意本所委聘任何次级处理者处理与本委聘函有关的任何个人数据；本所则承诺，如作出该等委聘，本所将遵守下文第(7)项。\n- 6. 如属一般书面同意，本所应就拟对次级处理者作出的任何增加、减少或替换，事先向您发出书面通知。\n\n- 7. 本所应要求本所委聘以处理个人数据的任何次级处理者，遵守本所在本第8.IV条中承担的相同义务，以确保该等处理符合数据保护法的要求。\n- 8. 本所应在可能范围内，并考虑处理的性质，通过适当的技术及组织措施向您提供合理协助，以履行您对个人提出的行使数据保护法规定的通知、访问、更正、删除、限制处理、反对及数据可携带权请求作出回应的义务。\n- 9. 本所应考虑处理的性质及本所可获得的信息，协助您确保履行您在数据保护法下有关安全、向监管机构及个人通知数据泄露、以及进行数据保护影响评估和与监管机构进行相关磋商的义务。\n- 10. 本所应最迟于您已就本委聘函项下的全部债务作出完全及最终清偿之年度后的第13年2的2月底前，向您删除或返还个人数据（及其任何副本），除非欧盟或欧盟成员国法律要求本所以其他方式删除、返还或保留该等个人数据。\n- 11. 本所应向您提供证明遵守GDPR第28条规定义务所需的全部信息，并仅为此目的允许并配合由您或您委任的另一审计师进行的审计，包括检查。\n- 12. 如本所认为某项指示违反GDPR或其他数据保护规定，本所应立即通知您。\n\n2 所述期限的理由：在塞浦路斯，在本所此类公司提交纳税申报表后，主管机关可在特定情况下，于该纳税申报表所涉课税年度后第12年届满前的期间内，就该纳税申报表提出查询。查询可从简单的信息请求至详细的技术性质质询不等。\n\n- (vi) 除非适用法律另有强制规定，您应合理行使数据保护法及本第8.IV条项下的权利，并尽最大努力不扰乱本所的正常业务过程，同时一方面最大限度地顾及并尊重您根据数据保护法及本委聘函所承担的义务，另一方面顾及并尊重本所对第三方所负的保密及/或数据保护义务。\n- (vii) 就本第8.IV条而言；\n\n-“数据保护法”系指经不时修订或替代的《通用数据保护条例》（Regulation (EU) 2016/679）（以下简称“GDPR”）以及经不时修订或替代的塞浦路斯2018年第125(I)号法律，并包括根据前述其中之一或两者不时生效的任何次级立法。\n\n“次级处理者”系指获委任代表本所为本所可处理个人数据的一项或多项目的处理个人数据的任何一方。\n\n-“数据控制者”、“数据处理者”、“数据主体”、“个人数据”及“处理”等术语，应分别具有GDPR赋予“控制者”、“处理者”、“数据主体”、“个人数据”及“处理”等术语的含义。\n\nV. 杂项\n\n- (i) 除非双方另行书面约定，本委聘函仅可通过由各方签署的书面修订文件予以修改。\n- (ii) 如本委聘函任何条款被任何有管辖权的法院或行政机构认定为无效、非法或不可执行，该条款的无效、非法或不可执行不应影响本委聘函的任何其他条款，且所有不受该等无效、非法或不可执行影响的条款将继续具有完全效力。\n\n- (iii) 除破产法院授权客户委聘本所的命令另有规定外，本委聘函构成双方之间的完整协议，并取代及终止双方此前就该协议标的事项达成的一切书面或口头协议、承诺、保证、担保、陈述及谅解。在适用法律允许的最大范围内，各方同意，对于本委聘函未提及的任何声明、陈述、保证或担保（无论系无过失或因疏忽作出），其不享有任何救济。\n- (iv) 本委聘函任何一方均不得在未获另一方事先书面同意的情况下，转让/移转其在本委聘函项下的任何权利及/或义务：\n\n但条件是，在进行合并、分立或转让其全部或实质部分业务的情况下，本所可自由将其在本委聘函项下的全部（但不得少于全部）权利及义务转让给另一家获正式许可在塞浦路斯提供法律服务的企业，前提是本所至少提前21日就该等转让向本委聘函另一方发出书面通知。\n\n(v) 本委聘函可签署任意数量的副本，每份副本一经签署即构成一份同等效力的正本，但所有副本共同构成一份协议。\n\n如上述内容准确反映本所对委聘条款的理解，敬请安排签署本委聘函一份副本并将其返还本所（通过电子邮件或其他方式），以表明您接受本文件所述委聘条款。\n\n感谢您给予本所提供服务的机会。本所期待与您合作。\n\n谨启，\n\nGeorge Middleton（乔治·米德尔顿）\n代表 Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC Advocates（Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC 律师事务所）\n\n本所特此确认，本所已审阅并考虑上述内容（为免生疑问，包括第8.IV(i)条所提述的本所PS），并特此确认本所同意并接受上述内容（为免生疑问，包括第8.IV(i)条所提述的本所PS）。\n\n姓名/职位：\n\nLUC\n\n签名：\n\n签署地点：\n\nJew York, New York\n\n日期：\n\n15 August 2024 代表客户（定义见上文）签署。\n\n附件C\n\nMiddleton Declaration（米德尔顿宣誓陈述）\n\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院布里奇波特分庭）\n\n关于：　Chapter 11（第11章）\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，　：案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。　：合并管理\n\nGEORGE MIDDLETON（乔治·米德尔顿）为支持第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327、328及330条、《破产程序规则》第2014及2016条以及《地方破产程序规则》第2014-1及2016-1条提出申请，请求作出裁定，授权并批准委聘 CHRYSSAFINIS & POLYVIOU LLC（Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC 律师事务所）担任塞浦路斯法律顾问的宣誓陈述\n\n本人，George Middleton（乔治·米德尔顿），经依法宣誓，特此陈述如下：\n\n1.\n\nChryssafinis & Polyviou LLC（以下简称“CP Law”）律师事务所，其主要办公地点位于37号\n\nMetochiou Street, Agios Andreas, Nicosia, Cyprus CY-1101，并作出本声明（以下简称“声明”），以支持第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327、328及330条、《破产规则》第2014及2016条以及\n\n《当地破产规则》第2014-1及2016-1条提出的申请，请求就聘用 Chryssafinis & Polyviou LLC（CP律师事务所）担任塞浦路斯法律顾问作出授权及批准裁定，\n\n涉及\n\n本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵，亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo、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）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，c/o Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯），作为 Ho Wan Kwok 遗产的受托人（仅为通知及通信之目的）。\n\n受托人对债务人在塞浦路斯的遗产及资产以及相关事项的调查（以下简称“委托事项”）。\n\n2. 就委托事项而言，(a) CP律师事务所的专业客户为 Ho Wan Kwok（以下简称“债务人”）在上述标题所示第11章案件（以下简称“第11章案件”）中的遗产（以下简称“遗产”）；及 (b) CP律师事务所将向遗产追偿其费用，并将根据《临时报酬裁定》在第11章案件中提交费用报表及费用申请。\n\n3. 我获得了 University of Manchester（曼彻斯特大学）的法学学士学位及 King's College, London（伦敦国王学院）的法学硕士学位。我的经验涵盖破产事项、股东争议、追踪诉讼、欺诈及共谋请求以及与信托有关的诉讼。\n\n4. 并根据《破产法典》第330及331条、《破产规则》第2016条、《当地破产规则》第2016-1条，以及与本第11章案件有关的任何其他适用规则及裁定（包括《临时报酬裁定》），报销与委托事项相关发生的费用。\n\n5. CP律师事务所将就委托事项按其通常收费标准计费。目前，CP律师事务所2024年的小时费率为：助理律师 €300 至 €375（按当前汇率折算，约为 \\$335 至 \\$419），合伙人为 €450（按当前汇率折算，约为 \\$502）。对于我在本委托事项中所完成的工作，CP律师事务所将按每小时 €450 收费（按当前汇率折算，约为 \\$490）。CP律师事务所还将就代表债务人垫付的自付费用计费，包括复印、邮资及包裹递送、法院费用、庭审记录、证人费用、送达费用、差旅费用及计算机辅助检索。\n\n6. 经适当调查后，据我所知及所信，CP律师事务所符合《美国法典》第11编第101(14)条所定义的“无利害关系人”（以下简称“破产法典”），因为 CP律师事务所及其每一位律师：\n\na. 均非债务人的债权人、股权担保持有人或内部人；\n\nb. 均非且在债务人申请提交日前两年内并非债务人的董事、高级管理人员或雇员；及\n\nc. 不因与债务人的任何直接或间接关系、联系或权益，或因任何其他原因，而对债务人遗产或任何类别债权人或股权担保持有人的利益具有重大不利利益。\n\n7. 我将作为附件1附于本声明的，是一份与第11章案件有关的利益相关方汇总名单（以下简称“利益相关方”）；该名单由 Paul Hastings 提供给 CP律师事务所，且在我签署本声明前已制作。经告知，该名单包括：\n\na. 债务人附表 D、F、G 及 H 中列为债权人、待履行合同相对方及共同债务人的当事人 [Docket No. 78]；\n\nb. 债务人《财务状况说明书》（“SOFA”）[Docket No. 77] 中列明的当事人，包括：(i) 在第11章案件提交前90日内收取付款的人员（SOFA 第3部分，第6问）；(ii) 债务人作为当事人参与的诉讼所涉当事人（SOFA 第4部分，第9问）；及债务人拥有的企业（SOFA 第11部分，第27问）。\n\nc. 在第11章案件中提交出庭通知的当事人及律师；\n\nd. 法院及 United States Trustee（美国受托人）办公室人员；及\n\ne. 因第11章受托人持续调查债务人资产而为我所知的其他利益相关方。\n\n8. CP律师事务所已就利益相关方对照本所记录及数据进行了合理核查，并已确定，据我方所知及所信，CP律师事务所及本所任何律师均与利益相关方不存在任何关系或联系，且据我所知，与债务人的任何其他债权人亦不存在任何关系或联系，但以下情况除外：\n\na. CP律师事务所曾就与债务人及其第11章案件无关的事项担任 Ernst & Young LLP（安永会计师事务所）的律师；\n\nb. CP律师事务所就与债务人及其第11章案件无关的事项担任 United States of America（美利坚合众国）的律师；\n\nc. CP律师事务所曾就与债务人及其第11章案件无关的事项担任 Barclays Bank Plc（巴克莱银行）的律师；\n\nd. CP律师事务所曾就与债务人及其第11章案件无关的事项担任 Morgan Stanley Principal Investments Inc.（摩根士丹利主要投资公司）的律师。\n\n9. 尽管 CP律师事务所已尽力查明与利益相关方之间的任何联系或潜在利益冲突，但如发现任何补充信息，我将审查、披露并解决可能出现的任何利益冲突或不利利益。\n\n10. 基于上述情况，就我能够根据目前可得信息查明的范围而言：(a) CP律师事务所及其每一位律师与债务人、其债权人、美国受托人、受雇于美国受托人办公室的任何人员，或对债务人具有实际或潜在利益的任何其他当事人，或其各自的律师或会计师，均不存在任何联系；及\n\n(b) (i) CP律师事务所及其每一位律师均非债务人或其关联方的债权人、股权担保持有人或内部人，(ii) 在申请提交日前两年内，CP律师事务所及其每一位律师均未曾担任债务人或其关联方的董事、高级管理人员或雇员，以及 (iii) CP律师事务所及其每一位律师不因与债务人的任何直接或间接关系、联系或权益，或因任何其他原因，而对债务人遗产或任何类别债权人或股权担保持有人的利益具有重大不利利益。因此，我从与 Paul Hastings 的讨论中了解到，这意味着经第1107(b)条修正后，CP律师事务所属于《破产法典》第101(14)条所定义的“无利害关系人”。\n\n11. 我还从该等讨论中了解到，美国受托人指引附录B（以下简称“重大案件指引”）不适用于本第11章案件，因为债务人的申请未列明 \\$50 million 或以上的资产及 \\$50 million 或以上的负债。特别是，据告知，债务人估计其资产价值介于 \\$50,001 与 \\$100,000 之间。\n\n12. 为提供最大限度的披露，并尽管我关于《重大案件指引》不适用的立场，我代表 CP律师事务所就《重大案件指引》第 D.1 段所载信息请求作出如下答复：\n\n问题：您是否同意对本委托事项的标准或惯常计费安排作出任何变更，或采用任何替代安排？\n\n回答：否。\n\n问题：本委托事项包含的任何专业人员是否会根据破产案件的地理位置调整其费率？\n\n回答：否。\n\n问题：如您在申请提交前12个月内曾代表该客户，请披露申请提交前委托事项的计费费率及重大财务条款，包括申请提交前12个月内的任何调整。如您的计费费率及重大财务条款在申请提交后发生变化，请说明差异及其原因。\n\n回答：不适用。CP律师事务所此前未曾代表第11章受托人。\n\n问题：您的客户是否已批准您拟定的预算及人员配置计划；如已批准，适用何种预算期间？\n\n回答：不适用。\n\n13. 除《破产法典》第504(b)(1)条允许的情形外，我既未与任何其他人分享，也未同意与任何其他人分享因委托事项而收取的报酬。\n\n14. 我同意，法院批准第11章受托人就我与委托事项有关的受聘所提交申请的任何裁定中可包含以下措辞。\n\n给予 CP律师事务所的任何报酬，应限于其作为受指示代表第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins 行事的律师实际提供的服务及实际发生的费用，且不得包括通常由第11章受托人在无需律师协助的情况下履行的任何受托人职责所对应的报酬。\n\n根据 28 U.S.C. § 1746，本人特此在伪证处罚的约束下声明，上述陈述\n\n真实且正确。\n\n日期：September 20, 2024，地点：Nicosia, Cyprus\n\nGeorge Middleton（乔治·米德尔顿）\n\n附件1\n\nKWOK 案利益相关方名册\n\n20 名最大无担保债权人\n\nPACIFIC ALLIANCE ASIA OPPORTUNITY GOLDEN SPRING NEW YORK RUI MA CHENG JIAN WU JIAN SHE NING YE GUO BAOSHENG YAN LAN & WU ZHENG HONG QI QU NAN TONG SI JIAN JIAN GONG YAN ZHAO YUA HUA ZHUANG SHI LIEHONG ZHUANG/XIAO YAN ZHU WEICAN MENG/BOXUN INC. SAMUEL NUNBERG LAMP CAPITAL LLC JUN CHEN AKA JONATHAN HO YÜE HUA ZHU SHI XIONG XIAN WEI YE HUIZEN WANG\n\n债务人、家庭成员及\n\n若干关联实体 HO WAN KWOK（亦称 MILES GWOK、MILES GUO 及 WENGUI GUO）HING CH NGOK/YUE QINGZHI QIANG GUO（亦称 MILESON GUO）MEI GUO/MEI GUI HK INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INVESTMENTS (USA) LIMITED, LLC BRAVO LUCK LIMITED GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC\n\n破产法官及美国受托人工作人员\n\nHONORABLE JULIE A. MANNING WILLIAM HARRINGTON KIM L. MCCABE HOLLEY CLAIBORN JOSEPH H. FLAMINI ERIN HOGAN STEVEN MACKEY FRANK MARINO JENNIFER J. MOREY NICOLE NEELY SHARON WARNER JOHN GERVAIS\n\n其他利益相关方 1245 FACTORY PLACE, LLC 12476517 CANADA SOCIETY 1322089 B.C. LTD. 1332156 B.C. LTD 17 MILES, LLC 2 B PACKING LLC 270 W. 39TH ST. CO., LLC 2LAWRENCE RIVER 3 COLUMBUS CIRCLE LLC 5780 SAGUARO LLC 7 NOD HILL LLC, 7 STAR EAST NY LLC 9 EAST 40TH STREET LLC A.Z. BIGIOTTERIE S.A.S. DI ZANUTTO GABRIELE & C. AAGV LIMITED AARON A. MITCHELL AARON A. ROMNEY ABRAMS FENSTERMAN, LLP ACA CAPITAL GROUP LIMITED ACA CAPITAL LIMITED ACA INVESTMENT FUND ACA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LTD. ACASS CANADA LTD. ACE DECADE HOLDINGS LIMITED ADAM CHEN NI AFFILIATED ADJUSTMENT GROUP, LTD. AGORA LAB, INC. AI GROUP HOLDINGS INC., AIG PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY AKERMANIIP ALEX HAD.ICHARALAMBOUS ALFA GLOBAL VENTURES LIMITED ALFONSO GLOBAL LIMITED ALFONSO GLOBAL VENTURES LIMITED ALLIED CAPITAL GLOBAL LIMITED ALPINE FIDUCIARIES SA AMAZING SKY AVIATION LIMITED AMAZON WEB SERVICES LLC AMAZON WEB SERVICES, INC. AMAZON.COM INC. AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION, INC. AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY AMY BUCK AN HONG ANA C. IZQUIERDO-HENN ANDREW CHILDE ANDREW SULNER/FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATIONS, LLC","key_entities":["Kwok","Je","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Guo","Paul Hastings","Miles Guo","CIPA"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":9732,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 20:58:15"}