{"id":"court_ctb_3625_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":3625,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":"2024-10-02","title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | -------------------------------------------","summary_zh":"聘用境外法律顾问申请 —— Ho Wan Kwok 破产案（郭文贵 / Guo Wengui / Miles Guo），CTB 22-50073 ECF #3625（2024-10-02立案）。第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins 申请自2024年9月17日起聘请毛里求斯 ENSafrica 律师事务所及大律师，代表受托人参与毛里求斯最高法院有关 Silver Bank Limited 接管及阻止 Himalaya International Clearing Limited (HICL) 转移账户资金的诉讼程序。","summary_en":"Application to Employ Foreign Legal Counsel — In re Ho Wan Kwok (Miles Guo / Guo Wengui), CTB 22-50073 ECF #3625 (filed 2024-10-02). Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins applied to retain and employ ENSafrica (Mauritius) as attorneys in the Republic of Mauritius effective September 17, 2024, to represent the Trustee in Mauritius Supreme Court proceedings regarding the Silver Bank Limited conservatorship and to oppose Himalaya International Clearing Limited's attempt to transfer funds.","body_en":"# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------ | x | |\n|--------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|\n| In re: | :
: | Chapter 11 |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al., | :
: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors.1 | :
:
: | 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 ENSAFRICA (MAURITIUS) AS ATTORNEYS IN REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS**\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\") authorizing his employment of ENSafrica (Mauritius) (\"ENS\") as attorneys in the Republic of Mauritius (\"Mauritius\"), including to instruct Mr. Patrice Doger de Speville, Senior Counsel, and William\n\n1 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\nde Robillard, of Counsel (together, the \"Barristers\"),2 on the terms set forth in the engagement letter attached hereto as **Exhibit B** (the \"Engagement Letter\"). In support of this Application, the Chapter 11 Trustee submits the *Declaration of Thierry Koenig 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 ENSafrica (Mauritius) as Attorneys in Republic of Mauritius* (the \"*Koenig* Declaration\"), attached as **Exhibit C**, which is incorporated herein by reference. In further support of this Application, the Chapter 11 Trustee states the following:\n\n#### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n1. By this Application, the Chapter 11 Trustee seeks entry of an order, substantially in the form of the proposed order filed herewith (the \"Proposed Order\"), authorizing and approving the retention and employment of ENS as the Chapter 11 Trustee's attorneys in Mauritius, effective as of September 17, 2024, to represent the Chapter 11 Trustee in connection with the conservatorship of Silver Bank Limited (the \"Silver Bank\") and to oppose the request of Himalaya International Clearing Limited (\"HICL\") to release funds nominally under HICL's name held in Silver Bank and to transfer the funds to Supreme Ebanq Fintech (SARAWAR) Berhad, which proceedings are pending in the Chambers Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of Mauritius (the \"Mauritius Action\") and related matters, including to instruct the Barristers in connection with the foregoing. As the Court is well aware, the Chapter 11 Trustee has filed an adversary proceeding, Adv. Proc. No. 24-5249, seeking a ruling from this Court that\n\n2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Barristers will be filing a separate application to be retained by the Trustee.\n\nHICL is the *alter ego* of and equitably owned by Ho Wan Kwok, and that, therefore, the funds in HICL's account at Silver Bank are owned by the Trustee.\n\n2. The Chapter 11 Trustee selected ENS as his attorneys based on ENS' familiarity with insolvency law, commercial litigation and financial disputes under Mauritius law.\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\n#### **ENS' QUALIFICATIONS**\n\n10. ENS is a joint venture law firm between De Comarmond & Koenig (a Mauritius law firm) and Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Inc (a South African law firm). ENS holds a joint venture law firm license issued by the Attorney General's Office under the Law Practitioners. Act. It carries out its professional legal practice, across the African continent, under the name \"ENSafrica\". ENSafrica is Africa's largest law firm, having offices in several African countries. In Mauritius, the office of ENS is located at 18 Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis 11317 Mauritius. ENS has more than 200 years' experience and is the oldest law practice and largest firm of attorneys in Mauritius. ENS is recognized by top ranking agencies, as a Top Tiers and Band 1 Law Firm, for achieving consistently high standards for its work. Additionally, ENS has significant expertise across commercial law—as it acts for the largest banks, insurance companies, public listed conglomerates in Mauritius—and insolvency law, as it has been involved in the majority of large insolvencies matters in Mauritius.\n\n#### **ANTICIPATED SERVICES**\n\n11. The Chapter 11 Trustee anticipates that ENS will represent him in Mauritius with respect to all matters related to the Mauritius Action. Due to the specialized nature of the role of Mauritius attorneys, there will be no duplication of services arising from ENS' retention.\n\n#### **COMPENSATION OF ENS**\n\n12. ENS 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\n\n11 Case. ENS 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 the Mauritius Action.\n\n13. At present, the 2024 hourly rate of ENS are \\$575 for Senior Attorneys, \\$400 for Executives (Partners), \\$300 for Senior Associates, and \\$250 for Associates.3 ENS will also bill 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\n14. The Debtor submits that ENS' hourly rates are reasonable, comparable to ENS' hourly rates for other engagements, and within the range of rates charged by comparably skilled professionals who offer the same services.\n\n#### **ENS IS DISINTERESTED**\n\n15. To the best of the Chapter 11 Trustee's knowledge in reliance upon the Koenig Declaration, and except as disclosed therein, ENS 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\n16. More specifically, upon the basis of the Koenig Declaration, and except as disclosed therein, the Chapter 11 Trustee believes that: (a) ENS 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) ENS 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\n\n3 The Chapter 11 Trustee is informed by ENS that, to the extent ENS appears in Mauritius court on behalf of the Chapter 11 Trustee, such services will be subject to value added tax at a rate of 15%. All other services to the Chapter 11 Trustee will not be subject to value added tax.\n\nDate, a director, officer, or employee of the Debtor or his affiliates, and (iii) have 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 ENS is a \"disinterested person\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by section 1107(b).\n\n17. Based on the Koenig Declaration, the Chapter 11 Trustee believes that ENS does not represent any adverse interest to unsecured creditors in connection with the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n#### **BASIS FOR RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n18. The Chapter 11 Trustee requests to retain and employ ENS as his attorneys in Mauritius with respect to the Mauritius Action pursuant to section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, which provides that a trustee, subject to 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\n19. 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\n20. 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\n21. The Chapter 11 Trustee requires the services of attorneys in Mauritius to exercise his responsibilities. ENS will endeavor to avoid the duplication of efforts and provide services as efficiently as possible.\n\n22. Accordingly, the employment of ENS as the Chapter 11 Trustee's attorneys, upon the terms set forth herein and in the Proposed Order, is reasonable and in the best interest of the Debtor's estate.\n\n23. The Chapter 11 Trustee submits that ENS' 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\n24. 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 orders otherwise.\" Accordingly, the Chapter 11 Trustee requests authority to retain and employ ENS effective September 17, 2024, which was the date that ENS began providing services to the Chapter 11 Trustee.\n\n25. Finally, in the interest of full disclosure, the Chapter 11 Trustee notes that, pursuant to Section 14.1 of ENS' standard terms and conditions, the Chapter 11 Trustee would be waiving any claim that the estate may have against ENS beyond the amount actually recovered by ENS under its professional indemnity insurance policy in respect of such claim. The Chapter 11 Trustee has been advised by ENS that its insurance coverage is approximately \\$87 million and that policy covers negligence, and, on that basis, the Chapter 11 Trustee is prepared to move forward with the engagement of ENS.\n\n#### **NOTICE**\n\n26. 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\n27. 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#### **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\n\nherewith, granting the Application, and authorizing the Chapter 11 Trustee's employment of\n\nENS as attorneys, and order such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.\n\nDated: October 2, 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: | :
: | Chapter 11 |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,1 | :
: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors. | :
:
: | (Jointly Administered) |\n| ------------------------------------------------------x | | |\n\n### **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe undersigned hereby certifies that on October 2, 2024, the foregoing Application was electronically filed. Notice of this filing was sent by e-mail to all parties to the above-captioned chapter 11 case by operation of the Court's electronic filing (\"CM/ECF\") system or by mail to anyone unable to accept electronic filing as indicated on the Notice of Electronic Filing. Parties may access this filing through the Court's CM/ECF system.\n\nDated: October 2, 2024 New York, New York\n\nBy: */s/ G. Alexander Bongartz* G. 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 Chapter 11 Trustee*\n\n1 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\nCase 22-50073 Doc 3625 Filed 10/02/24 Entered 10/02/24 13:29:00 Page 11 of 41\n\n# **EXHIBIT A**\n\n**Proposed Order**\n\n# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------ | x | |\n|--------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|\n| In re: | :
: | Chapter 11 |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al., | :
: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors.1 | :
:
: | 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 ENSAFRICA (MAURITIUS) AS ATTORNEY IN REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS**\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\"), for authority to retain and employ ENSafrica (Mauritius) (\"ENS\") as attorneys in the Republic of Mauritius (\"Mauritius\"), effective as of September 17, 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 upon consideration of the Application and the Koenig Declaration; and this\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\n2 Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Application or the Koenig Declaration.\n\nCourt 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 Koenig Declaration, and the record of any hearing on the Application before this Court establish just cause for the relief granted herein, (iii) ENS 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) ENS does 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 ENS as his attorney in Mauritius effective as of September 17, 2024 on the terms set forth in the Application and the Koenig Declaration.\n\n3. ENS is authorized to act as the Chapter 11 Trustee's attorneys, and to perform those services described in the Application.\n\n4. The Estate shall be responsible for ENS' compensation and reimbursement of expenses with respect to the engagement.\n\n5. The allowance of any compensation to be paid to ENS shall be determined in accordance with the procedures set forth in sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2016, and Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1.\n\n6. Allowance of any compensation for ENS shall be limited to the extent of services actually performed, and expenses actually incurred, as attorney 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. ENS 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\n8. The Chapter 11 Trustee is authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted in this Order.\n\n9. The requirements of the Local Bankruptcy Rules are satisfied by the contents of the Application.\n\n10. To the extent the Application and Koenig Declaration are inconsistent with this Order, the terms of this Order shall govern.\n\n11. The terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon its entry.\n\n12. This Court shall retain jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or related to the implementation, interpretation, and enforcement of this Order.\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 3625 Filed 10/02/24 Entered 10/02/24 13:29:00 Page 15 of 41\n\n# **EXHIBIT B**\n\n**Engagement Letter**\n\n\n\n\n\n# **MR. LUC DESPINS, TRUSTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HO WAN KWOK**\n\n**17 September 2024**\n\n\n\n2\n\n\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, NY 10166\n\nEmail: [lucdespins@paulhastings.com](mailto:lucdespins@paulhastings.com)\n\nDear Mr. Despins,\n\n### **RE : Himalaya International Clearing Limited**\n\nThank you for reaching out to us to to act for you, Mr Luc Despins (\"**the Client**\"), in your capacity as court-appointed Trustee for the chapter 11 estate of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"**US Debtor**\")**,** whose chapter 11 case is pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"**Bankruptcy Court**\").\n\nWe would be pleased to assist the Client and to appear before the Supreme Court of Mauritius to intervene in the case before the Commercial Division *Himalaya International Clearing Limited v. Silver Bank Limited* scheduled on 17th September 2024 in order to take the necessary steps to (i) oppose the release of Himalaya International Clearing Limited (ʺ**HICL**ʺ) deposits in Sliver Bank Limited (**ʺSilver Bank**ʺ) to HICL, (ii) apply for and obtain recognition in Mauritius, as foreign representative of the US Debtor's estate (Mr. Ho Wan Kwok), and (iii) lodge any such action in your aforesaid capacity to vindicate the US Debtor's estate's rights to such funds should you prevail before the US Bankruptcy Court on the ownership issue.\n\nWe undertake to commit a team with the required levels of seniority and the right experience to ensure that you have, at all times, the highest quality of pragmatic legal services.\n\nOur proposed team will be led by **Thierry Koenig** (Senior Attorney) with the assistance of **Vanesha Babooa-Bissonauth** (Executive). We may draw on additional resources, depending on the expertise required to ensure that this particular assignment is managed in a cost effective manner, without compromising speed or quality.\n\n\n\nWe shall be working in close collaboration with Patrice Doger de Speville (Senior Counsel) and his team of Barristers.\n\nWe understand that the Mauritius lawyers shall be liaising with Douglass Barron of Paul Hastings LLP in New York.\n\n### **Introducing ENSafrica | Mauritius**\n\nIn today's competitive global market, to run a successful organisation it is crucial to have a legal partner who understands the importance of:\n\n- fast turnaround times\n- differentiation\n- cost-effective solutions\n- limiting risk\n\n**ENSafrica (Mauritius)** is a joint venture law firm between De Comarmond & Koenig, the oldest and largest firm of Attorneys in Mauritius and Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Incorporated which carries out its professional services on a fully integrated basis with ENSafrica, Africa's No. 1 law firm.\n\nIn Mauritius, De Comarmond & Koenig, has its roots since **1820**. Historically it has been the standing legal adviser of the major commercial conglomerates of the island. It has by far the largest Litigation Team and is also the market leader in Banking, Finance, M&A, Corporate, Restructuration, and Insolvency.\n\n\n\nWhat distinguishes **ENSafrica (Mauritius)** is not simply that it has the largest number of practitioners and teams but it is the only law firm in Mauritius which has a number of experienced practitioners and the leading lawyers having over 25 years practice.\n\nIt matters to us whether you achieve your organisational goals and we will find ways to ensure you do.\n\n#### *Services we can offer*\n\n\n\n# **FEE ESTIMATE**\n\nOur fees, in accordance with international practice, are based on the number and level of the individuals required, the time taken and out-of-pocket expenses, having regard to the complexity and urgency of the task, the importance of the matter and the responsibility we carry.\n\nAlthough pricing is obviously an important element to be taken into account, we prefer to place emphasis on quality, efficiency and in-depth knowledge on the domestic law, culture and practice, rather than price.\n\nAt this stage it is difficult to give a ball park figure and set a fixed fee to assist in budgeting. Please note that our standard hourly rates (excluding VAT) are as follows:\n\n| Position | Rate (USD) |\n|---------------------|------------|\n| Senior Attorney | 575 |\n| Executive (Partner) | 400 |\n| Senior Associate | 300 |\n| Associate | 250 |\n\n# **Assumptions and Conditions:**\n\nThis proposal is subject to the following assumptions and conditions.\n\n- Any tax, financial, accounting, operational, technical, IT, insurance, employment, data and competition matters are excluded from the scope of works;\n- We shall not accrue fees and expenses outside the scope of work without your prior authorisation;\n- VAT will be charged at the rate prevailing at the time of invoice;\n- The Client shall furnish all the KYC required for our internal compliance with the Financial Intelligence and Anti Money Laundering Act and other applicable laws.\n- Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, payment in respect of the invoices shall be made in such amounts as may be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court on proper applications in accordance with the compensation procedures established and\n\nrequired by the Bankruptcy Court. The required procedures shall be made promptly by the Client and in any event not later than 30 days from receipt of the invoice. Should for any reason the Bankruptcy Court takes more than 120 days from the date of application to grant its authorisation ENSafrica shall be entitled to stop the mandate. For 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• Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all matters related to the payment and allowance of our fees and expenses, including with respect to payment from funds held in trust and/or any claimed right of set off, shall be decided by the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with the compensation procedures established and required by the Bankruptcy Court. Except to limited extent provided in the foregoing sentence, ENSafrica shall not submit to the jurisdiction of the United States of America or cause in any manner whatsoever ENSafrica to be subject to or have admitted the jurisdiction of United States of America.\n\n#### **Additional information**\n\nAll work shall be conducted in accordance with our Standard Terms and Conditions, a copy of which is sent together with this fee proposal (**Annex 1**), subject to and as modified by the terms of this engagement letter.\n\nWe trust you will find the above satisfactory, and we look forward to working with you on this matter.\n\nWe wish to thank you again for the opportunity to assist you to protect the interest of the estate of the bankruptcy of Ho Wan Kwok.\n\nKindly do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or require additional information please do not hesitate to contact our lead relationship contact.\n\n\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 3625 Filed 10/02/24 Entered 10/02/24 13:29:00 Page 21 of 41\n\n#### Relationship Partner\n\n\n\n#### Thierry Koenig | Senior Attorney | Head of Country\n\n+230 203 2820 +230 5729 9990 tkoenig@ENSafrica.com\n\n18 Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis, 11302, Mauritius\n\n#### ENSafrica (Mauritius)\n\nper: Thierry Koenig SA\n\nAcknowledged & accepted:\n\nSigned: Ander 10 and the Name: Mr. Luc Despins, Cos Chergitter\n\nDate: J.J ... / ST\n\n\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 3625 Filed 10/02/24 Entered 10/02/24 13:29:00 Page 22 of 41\n\n# **EXHIBIT C**\n\n**Koenig Declaration**\n\n### UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION\n\n| ============================================================================================================================================================================== | | |\n|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|--|\n| In re: | Chapter 11 | |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al., | : Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) | |\n| Debtors. | : Jointly Administered | |\n\n# DECLARATION OF THIERRY KOENIG 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 ENSAFRICA (MAURITIUS) AS ATTORNEYS IN REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS\n\nI, Thierry Koenig, being duly sworn, do depose and say:\n\nI am a qualified Law Practitioner under the Law Practitioners Act and enrolled 1.\n\nbefore the Mauritius Supreme Court as an Attorney. I am the Managing Director and Country\n\nHead of ENSafrica (Mauritius) (\"ENS\"), which is a licensed joint venture law firm under the\n\nLaw Practitioners Act and maintains its office at 18 Edith Cavell Street, Level 3-7, Port Louis,\n\nMauritius, and I make this declaration (the \"Declaration\") in support of the Application of\n\nChapter 11 Trustee for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327, 328, and\n\n330, Bankruptcy Rules 2016, and Local Bankruptcy Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1,\n\nAuthorizing and Approving Retention and Employment of ENSafrica (Mauritius) as Attorneys in\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 co Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\nRepublic of Mauritius (the \"Application\")} in connection with ENS' retention as attorneys in connection with the Mauritius Action, and related matters (the \"Engagement\"), including to including to instruct Mr. Patrice Doger de Speville, Senior Counsel, and William de Robillard, of Counsel (together, the \"Barristers\") in connection with the foregoing.\n\n2. In relation to the Engagement, ENS' professional client is the \"Estate\") of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\") in his above-captioned chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\"). In relation to the Engagement, ENS will seek to recover ENS' fees from the Estate, and I will file fee applications in the Chapter 11 Case on ENS' behalf.\n\n3. I started my Articles an Attorney Clerc with De Comarmond & Koenig in 1978. I received a Maitrise en Droit from the University of Aix Marseille - Reunion in 1984, and was admitted to practice as an Attorney in Mauritius in 1986. I was made Senior Attorney by Letters Patent from the President of the Republic in 2010, and am the first lawyer on the African continent to have been selected to become member of the International Association of Defence Counsel (IADC). Additionally, I served as the President of The Mauritius Law Society between 2020 and 2022, chaired the committee for the review of the Securities (Takeover) Rules, and was appointed by the Chief Justice to sit on the Council of Vocational Legal Education (CVLE) for over 7 years. Currently, I sit on the Law Reform Commission (LRC) as well as on the Institute of Judicial and Legal Studies (IJLS). My experience encompasses, among other things, corporate matters, insolvency, banking and financing and as well as complex commercial litigation and arbitration, including a wide experience in enforcement of securities.\n\n4. ENS will file applications for compensation of professional services rendered and for reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the Engagement pursuant to sections\n\n2 Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Application.\n\n330 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.\n\n5. J ENS will charge our hourly billing rates in connection with the Engagement. At present, the the 2024 hourly rate of ENS are \\$575 for Senior Attorneys, \\$400 for Executives (partners), \\$300 for Senior Associates, and \\$250 for Associates. ENS may also bill the Estate for any out-of-pocket expenses made on behalf of the Chapter 11 Trustee, including photocopying, postage and package deliveries, court fees, transcripts, witness fees, travel expenses, and computer-aided research.\n\n6. S To the best of my knowledge and belief after due inquiry, ENS is a \"disinterested person\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\") in that ENS and its employees:\n\n- are not creditors, equity security holders, or insiders of the Debtor; a.\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- do not have an interest materially adverse to the interest of the Debtor's C. 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 ENS 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\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 II 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\nENS 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, the ENS does not have any relationship or connection with the Interested Parties, subject to the following exceptions:\n\n- a. The following banks and financial institutions are clients of ENSafrica, which has offices in several African jurisdictions, including Mauritius, and is financially fully integrated:\n\t- i. Barclays Bank PLC;\n\t- Bank Of China; ii.\n\t- Citibank; iii.\n\t- iv. HSBC Bank USA;\n\t- v. Standard Chartered Bank;\n\t- vi. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A .; and\n\t- vii. UBS AG;\n\nb. The following large companies and firms are clients of ENSafrica:\n\n- i. Amazon Web Services LLC;\n- ii. Amazon Web Services, Inc .;\n- iii. Amazon.Com Inc .;\n- iv. Ernst & Young LLP;\n- v. Meta Platforms Inc .;\n- vi. Spotify Technology S.A .; and\n- vii. Spotify USA, Inc.\n- c. ENSafrica, being a pan-African law firm of over 220 partners and 1,000 lawyers\n\nhave assisted numerous law firms across the word on ad hoc legal matters. As\n\nsuch ENSafrica, has assisted the following law firms:\n\n- i. DLA Piper LLC US;\n- ii. Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP;\n- iii. Hogan Lovells International LLP;\n- iv. Herbert Smith Freehills New York LLP;\n- Greenberg Traurig, LLP ; v.\n- vi. K&L Gates LLP;\n- vii. Michcon de Reya LLP;\n- viii. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP;\n\t- ix. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP;\n\t- x. Sidley Austin LLP;\n- xı. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP;\n- xii. Wedlake Bell LLP; and\n- xiii. Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP.\n\nEach of the relationships identified in the foregoing sub-clauses a., b., and c. are unrelated to the Debtor and the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n8. While ENS have made a diligent effort to ascertain the identity of any\n\nconnections or potential conflicts with the Interested Parties, to the extent that any additional\n\ninformation comes to light, ENS will review, disclose, and resolve any conflict or adverse\n\ninterests that may appear.\n\n9. Based on the foregoing, insofar as I have been able to ascertain based on the\n\ninformation currently available to me: (a) ENS has no connection with the Debtor, his creditors,\n\nthe U.S. Trustee, any person employed in the office of the U.S. Trustee, or any other party with\n\nan actual or potential interest in the Debtor or his respective attorneys or accountants; and\n\n(b) (i) neither ENS nor its employees are creditors, equity security holders, or insiders of the\n\nDebtor or his affiliates, (ii) neither ENS nor its employees have been, within two years before the Petition Date, a director, officer, or employee of the Debtor or his affiliates, and (iii) neither ENS nor its employees 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 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 ENS is a \"disinterested person\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by section 1107(b).\n\n10. 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\n11. 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 ENS 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\nAnswer: No.\n\n- Question: Do any of the professionals included in this engagement vary their rate based on the geographic location of the bankruptcy case?\n- Answer: No.\n- Question: If you represented the client in the 12 months prepetition, disclose your billing rates and material financial terms for the\n\nprepetition 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. ENS 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\nAnswer: Not applicable.\n\n12. ENS has neither shared nor agreed to share with any other person compensation\n\nreceived in connection with the Engagement, except as is permitted by §504(b)(1) of the\n\nBankruptcy Code.\n\n13. 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 ENS shall be limited to the extent of services actually performed, and expenses actually incurred, as attorneys instructed to act on behalf of 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 under the laws of the\n\nUnited States that the above statements are true and correct.\n\nDated: September 30, 2024, at Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius\n\nThierry Koenig\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 YUE HUA ZHU SHI XIONG XIAN WEI YE HUIZEN WANG\n\n#### DEBTOR, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND CERTAIN RELATED ENTITIES\n\nHO 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 BRA VO 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","body_zh":"UNITED 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院）\n\n------------------------------------------------------ x\n\n关于： :\n: Chapter 11\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等， :\n: Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1 :\n:\n: 共同管理\n------------------------------------------------------ x\n\n第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327、328和330条、《联邦破产程序规则》第2014和2016条以及《地方法院破产程序规则》第2014-1和2016-1条申请作出裁定，授权并批准聘任 ENSAFRICA (MAURITIUS) 作为毛里求斯共和国律师\n\nLuc A. Despins 先生以其作为上述标题所示 Ho Wan Kwok（“债务人”）第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中获任命的第11章受托人（“第11章受托人”）的身份，依据《美国法典》第11编（“破产法典”）第327、328和330条、《联邦破产程序规则》（“破产程序规则”）第2014和2016条，以及 UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT（美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院，以下简称“法院”）的《地方法院破产程序规则》（“地方法院破产程序规则”）第2014-1和2016-1条，提交本申请（“本申请”），请求作出实质上按照随附附件A所载形式的裁定（“拟议裁定”），授权其聘任 ENSafrica (Mauritius)（“ENS”）作为其在毛里求斯共和国（“毛里求斯”）的律师，包括按照随附附件B的委聘函（“委聘函”）所载条款，指示 Patrice Doger de Speville 先生（高级大律师）及 William\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）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\nde Robillard（法律顾问）（合称“各大律师”）2。在支持本申请时，第11章受托人提交随附附件C的《Thierry Koenig 关于支持第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327、328和330条、《破产程序规则》第2014和2016条以及《地方法院破产程序规则》第2014-1和2016-1条申请作出裁定，授权并批准聘任 ENSafrica (Mauritius) 作为毛里求斯共和国律师的声明》（“Koenig 声明”），该声明通过援引并入本文。为进一步支持本申请，第11章受托人陈述如下：\n\n请求的救济\n\n1. 第11章受托人通过本申请，请求作出实质上按照随附提交的拟议裁定（“拟议裁定”）形式的裁定，授权并批准自 September 17, 2024 起聘任 ENS 作为第11章受托人在毛里求斯的律师，以就 Silver Bank Limited（“Silver Bank”）的接管事宜代表第11章受托人，并反对 Himalaya International Clearing Limited（“HICL”）提出的请求，即解除名义上以 HICL 名义存放于 Silver Bank 的资金，并将该等资金转移至 Supreme Ebanq Fintech (SARAWAR) Berhad；上述程序正待毛里求斯最高法院商业庭（“毛里求斯诉讼”）审理，以及处理相关事项，包括就前述事项指示各大律师。如法院充分知悉，第11章受托人已提起对抗程序，Adv. Proc. No. 24-5249，请求本法院裁定\n\n2 为免生疑义，各大律师将另行提交申请，请求获聘任为受托人的律师。\n\nHICL 是 Ho Wan Kwok 的替身实体，且由其衡平拥有，因此，HICL 在 Silver Bank 账户中的资金归受托人所有。\n\n2. 第11章受托人基于 ENS 熟悉毛里求斯法律下的破产法、商事诉讼和金融争议而选择 ENS 作为其律师。\n\n管辖权、审判地及法定依据\n\n3. 法院依据 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）的授权移送常设命令，对本事项具有管辖权。本事项属于 28 U.S.C. § 157(b) 所指的核心程序。\n\n4. 依据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409，本地区为适格审判地。\n\n5. 本文所请求救济的法定依据为《破产法典》第327(a)、328(a)和330条，以及在适用的范围内，《破产程序规则》第2014和2016条和《地方法院破产程序规则》第2014-1和2016-1条。\n\n背景\n\n6. On 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书。\n\n7. On March 21, 2022，United States Trustee（美国受托人）在债务人的第11章案件中任命了无担保债权人官方委员会（“委员会”）。\n\n8. On June 15, 2022，法院作出决定备忘录及命令 [Docket No. 465]（“受托人命令”），指示美国受托人在第11章案件中任命一名第11章受托人。根据受托人命令，美国受托人选择 Luc A. Despins 担任第11章受托人 [Docket No. 514]。\n\n9. On July 8, 2022，法院作出命令，批准任命 Luc A. Despins 为第11章案件中的第11章受托人 [Docket No. 523]。\n\nENS 的资格\n\n10. ENS 是 De Comarmond & Koenig（一家毛里求斯律师事务所）与 Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Inc（一家南非律师事务所）共同设立的合营律师事务所。ENS 持有总检察长办公室根据《法律执业者法》颁发的合营律师事务所执照。其以“ENSafrica”之名在整个非洲大陆开展专业法律业务。ENSafrica 是非洲最大的律师事务所，在多个非洲国家设有办事处。在毛里求斯，ENS 的办事处位于 18 Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis 11317 Mauritius。ENS 拥有逾200年经验，是毛里求斯历史最悠久的法律执业机构及规模最大的律师事务所。ENS 因其工作始终达到高标准而获顶级评级机构认可为顶级及第1级律师事务所。此外，ENS 在商法领域具有重大专长——其代理毛里求斯最大的银行、保险公司及上市企业集团——并在破产法领域具有重大专长，因为其参与了毛里求斯绝大多数大型破产事务。\n\n预期服务\n\n11. 第11章受托人预期 ENS 将就与毛里求斯诉讼相关的所有事项在毛里求斯代表其行事。鉴于毛里求斯律师职责的专业性质，聘任 ENS 不会导致服务重复。\n\nENS 的报酬\n\n12. ENS 拟根据《破产法典》第330和331条、《破产程序规则》第2016条、《地方法院破产程序规则》第2016-1条，以及就本第11章案件适用的任何其他规则和命令，向法院申请就本第11章案件提供的专业服务获得报酬，并报销发生的费用。ENS 将就毛里求斯诉讼所需服务，按其通常适用的小时费率，以小时计费方式向债务人收取法律服务费用。\n\n13. 目前，ENS 的 2024 年小时费率为：高级律师 \\$575、主管人员（合伙人）\\$400、高级律师助理 \\$300，以及律师助理 \\$250。3 ENS 还将就代表债务人垫付的实际开支收费，包括复印、邮资和包裹递送、法院费用、笔录、证人费用、送达费用、差旅费用及计算机辅助研究费用。\n\n14. 债务人陈述，ENS 的小时费率合理，可与 ENS 在其他委聘事项中的小时费率相比，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\nENS 无利害关系\n\n15. 据第11章受托人所知，并依赖于 Koenig 声明，除其中披露者外，ENS 与债务人、其债权人或任何其他利益相关方、各自的律师和会计师、美国受托人，或美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人员之间不存在任何关系。\n\n16. 更具体而言，基于 Koenig 声明，除其中披露者外，第11章受托人相信：(a) ENS 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员，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关联；且 (b) ENS 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士，(ii) 在申请日之前两年内未曾担任债务人或其关联方的董事、高级职员或雇员，且 (iii) 未因与债务人的任何直接或间接关系、关联或利益，或因任何其他原因，而拥有与债务人财产或任何类别债权人或股权证券持有人利益存在重大不利冲突的任何利益。因此，第11章受托人相信，经第1107(b)条修正后，ENS 属于《破产法典》第101(14)条所指的“无利害关系人士”。\n\n17. 基于 Koenig 声明，第11章受托人相信，ENS 在与第11章案件有关的事项中未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\n18. 第11章受托人依据《破产法典》第327(a)条请求聘任 ENS 作为其就毛里求斯诉讼的毛里求斯律师；该条规定，经法院批准，受托人可聘用“未持有或代表与财产利益相冲突的利益，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本编规定的受托人职责。”\n\n19. 根据《破产法典》第328(a)条，经破产法院批准，受托人可依据《破产法典》第327(a)条，以“任何合理的聘用条款和条件，包括按预付费、按小时计费、按固定或百分比费用计费，或按或有费用计费”的方式聘用专业人士。11 U.S.C. § 328(a)。\n\n20. 《破产程序规则》第2014(a)条规定，聘任申请应包括：\n\n显示聘用必要性的具体事实、拟聘用的[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，以及在申请人所知范围内，该[事务所]与债务人、债权人、任何其他利益相关方、各自律师和会计师、美国受托人之间的一切关联。\n\n21. 第11章受托人需要毛里求斯律师的服务以履行其职责。ENS 将努力避免工作重复，并尽可能高效地提供服务。\n\n22. 因此，按照本文件及拟议命令所载条款，聘任 ENS 作为第11章受托人的律师是合理的，并且符合债务人财产的最佳利益。\n\n23. 第11章受托人主张，ENS 的费率合理，可与其他受聘事项的费率相媲美，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\n24. 地方法院破产规则 2014-1 规定，如“聘任专业人士的申请在该专业人士开始提供服务后三十（30）日内提交，除非法院另有命令，该申请应视为同时提交。”因此，第11章受托人请求授权其自 September 17, 2024 起聘任及雇用 ENS，该日为 ENS 开始向第11章受托人提供服务之日。\n\n25. 最后，为充分披露起见，第11章受托人指出，根据 ENS 标准条款和条件第14.1条，第11章受托人将放弃财产就该等索赔可能对 ENS 提出的、超出 ENS 就该等索赔根据其专业责任保险单实际获得赔付金额的任何索赔。ENS 已告知第11章受托人，其保险保障金额约为 \\$87 million，且该保单承保过失责任；基于此，第11章受托人准备继续聘任 ENS。\n\n通知\n\n26. 本申请的通知已送达美国受托人、债务人、委员会，以及通过法院电子提交（“CM/ECF”）系统以电子方式送达所有使用 CM/ECF 系统的已出庭当事人。\n\n此前未提出请求\n\n27. 此前未曾向本法院或任何其他法院提出过请求本文件所要求救济的申请。\n\n[本页其余部分特意留白。]\n\n结论\n\n因此，基于上述理由，第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins 请求法院作出一项命令，其形式实质上与随附提交的拟议命令一致，准予本申请，授权第11章受托人聘任 ENS 作为律师，并作出法院认为公正和适当的其他及进一步救济。\n\n日期：October 2, 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\n美国联邦破产法院 康涅狄格州联邦破产法院 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： Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。 ：\n：\n： （合并管理）\n\n送达证明\n\n下列签署人特此证明，前述申请已于 October 2, 2024 以电子方式提交。通过法院电子提交（“CM/ECF”）系统的运行，或按照电子提交通知中所示通过邮寄方式向无法接受电子提交的任何人，已向上述标题第11章案件的所有当事人通过电子邮件发送本次提交的通知。当事人可通过法院的 CM/ECF 系统查阅本次提交文件。\n\n日期：October 2, 2024 New York, New York\n\n签署人：/s/ G. Alexander Bongartz G. Alexander Bongartz（获准临时出庭）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP\n200 Park Avenue\nNew York, New York 10166\n(212) 318-6079\nalexbongartz@paulhastings.com\n\n第11章受托人律师\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（又名 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 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\n案件 22-50073 文档 3625 提交于 10/02/24 录入于 10/02/24 13:29:00 第 11 页，共 41 页\n\n附件 A\n\n拟议命令\n\n美国联邦破产法院 康涅狄格州联邦破产法院 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： Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1 ：\n：\n： 合并管理\n\n------------------------------------------------------ x\n\n[拟议]命令：（A）根据《破产法典》第327、328和330条、《联邦破产程序规则》第2014和2016条以及《地方法院破产规则》第2014-1和2016-1条，准予第11章受托人提出的作出命令之申请，授权并批准聘任及雇用 ENSAFRICA（MAURITIUS）作为毛里求斯共和国律师\n\n鉴于，在上述标题第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中，第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins（“第11章受托人”）提出申请（“申请”）2，请求授权其根据《美国法典》第11编（“破产法典”）第327、328和330条、《联邦破产程序规则》（“破产规则”）第2014和2016条以及康涅狄格州联邦破产法院《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 September 17, 2024 起聘任及雇用 ENSafrica（Mauritius）（“ENS”）作为其在毛里求斯共和国（“Mauritius”）的律师，详情均载于申请；并鉴于已审议申请及 Koenig 声明；且本法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格州联邦地区法院）的移送常设命令，对审议申请及其中所请求的救济具有管辖权；并鉴于根据 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)，审议申请及其中所请求的救济构成核心程序；并鉴于根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409，本法院为适格审理地；并鉴于本法院已认定：(i) 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) 申请和 Koenig 声明中陈述的法律和事实依据，以及本法院就申请举行的任何听证会记录，确立了准予本命令所载救济的正当理由；(iii) ENS 是《破产法典》第101(14)条所定义且第327(a)条所要求的“无利害关系人士”；及 (iv) ENS 不持有或代表与债务人财产相冲突的利益；并鉴于在具体情形下已就申请发出适当且充分的通知；并且看来无需发出其他或进一步通知；并鉴于本法院前已进行的全部程序；且经适当审议并显示存在充分理由，特此命令如下：\n\n1. 本申请按本命令所载内容获准。\n\n2. 授权第11章受托人按照申请和 Koenig 声明所载条款，自 September 17, 2024 起聘任及雇用 ENS 作为其在 Mauritius 的律师。\n\n3. 授权 ENS 担任第11章受托人的律师，并提供申请中所述服务。\n\n4. 财产应负责 ENS 就该项聘任所产生的报酬及费用偿还。\n\n5. 应支付给 ENS 的任何报酬之准许，应根据《破产法典》第330和331条、《破产规则》第2016条及《地方法院破产规则》第2016-1条所载程序确定。\n\n6. 对 ENS 的任何报酬准许，应限于其作为第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins 的律师实际提供的服务及实际发生的费用，且不得包括任何通常由第11章受托人在无律师协助情况下履行的受托人职责所对应的报酬。\n\n7. ENS 在实施其所收取费率的任何上调前，应至少提前十个工作日向第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\n8. 授权并赋予第11章受托人采取实现本命令所准予救济所必需的一切行动的权力。\n\n9. 申请的内容已满足《地方法院破产规则》的要求。\n\n10. 如申请和 Koenig 声明与本命令不一致，以本命令的条款为准。\n\n11. 本命令的条款和条件自其录入后立即生效并可执行。\n\n12. 本法院对因实施、解释及执行本命令而产生或与之相关的一切事项保留管辖权。\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（又名 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 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 已使用但未另行定义的首字母大写术语，具有申请或 Koenig 声明中赋予该等术语的含义。\n\n案件 22-50073 文档 3625 提交于 10/02/24 录入于 10/02/24 13:29:00 第 15 页，共 41 页\n\n附件 B\n\n委聘函\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）财产受托人 LUC DESPINS 先生\n\n17 September 2024\n\nLuc A. Despins，作为 Ho Wan Kwok 第11章财产的受托人\n转交 Paul Hastings LLP\n200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166\n\n电子邮箱：[lucdespins@paulhastings.com]\n\n尊敬的 Despins 先生：\n\n事由：Himalaya International Clearing Limited\n\n感谢您联系我们，委托我们代表您，即 Luc Despins 先生（“客户”），您以法院指定的 Ho Wan Kwok（“美国债务人”）第11章财产受托人身份行事；该美国债务人的第11章案件目前正在 United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格州联邦破产法院）（“破产法院”）审理中。\n\n我们乐意协助客户，并出庭参加毛里求斯最高法院对 Commercial Division（商事庭）Himalaya International Clearing Limited v. Silver Bank Limited 一案于 17th September 2024 排定的审理，以采取必要步骤：(i) 反对将 Himalaya International Clearing Limited（“HICL”）在 Silver Bank Limited（“Silver Bank”）的存款释放给 HICL；(ii) 以美国债务人财产（Ho Wan Kwok）的外国代表身份在 Mauritius 获得承认；以及 (iii) 如您在美国破产法院就所有权问题胜诉，则以您前述身份提起任何该等诉讼，以维护美国债务人财产对该等资金的权利。\n\n我们承诺配备具有所需资历水平和恰当经验的团队，以确保您始终获得最高质量的务实法律服务。\n\n我们拟议的团队将由 Thierry Koenig（高级律师）领导，并由 Vanesha Babooa-Bissonauth（执行官）协助。我们可能会根据所需专业知识调配额外资源，以确保在不影响速度或质量的情况下，以具成本效益的方式管理该特定委托事项。\n\n我们将与 Patrice Doger de Speville（高级大律师）及其大律师团队密切合作。\n\n我们理解，毛里求斯律师将与位于 New York 的 Paul Hastings LLP 的 Douglass Barron 联络。\n\n介绍 ENSafrica Mauritius\n\n在当今竞争激烈的全球市场中，要经营一个成功的组织，拥有一位理解下列重要性的法律合作伙伴至关重要：\n\n• 周转时间快\n• 差异化\n• 具有成本效益的解决方案\n• 限制风险\n\nENSafrica (Mauritius)（ENSafrica（毛里求斯）律师事务所）是由De Comarmond & Koenig（德科马蒙德和柯尼希律师事务所）与Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Incorporated（爱德华·内森·松嫩伯格公司）合资成立的律师事务所。De Comarmond & Koenig是毛里求斯历史最悠久、规模最大的律师事务所；Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Incorporated以与ENSafrica完全整合的方式提供专业服务，而ENSafrica是非洲排名第一的律师事务所。\n\n在毛里求斯，De Comarmond & Koenig的历史可追溯至1820年。其历来一直担任该岛国主要商业集团的常任法律顾问。该所拥有规模遥遥领先的诉讼团队，并且亦为银行、金融、并购、公司、重组及破产领域的市场领导者。\n\nENSafrica（毛里求斯）与众不同之处，不仅在于其拥有数量最多的执业人员和团队，而且在于其是毛里求斯唯一一家拥有多名经验丰富的执业人员及执业超过25年的顶尖律师的律师事务所。\n\n您是否实现组织目标对我们至关重要，我们将设法确保您实现这些目标。\n我们可提供的服务\n费用估算\n\n我们的费用遵循国际惯例，根据所需人员的人数及级别、所耗时间和实付费用，并考虑任务的复杂性和紧迫性、事项的重要性以及我们承担的责任而确定。\n\n尽管定价显然是应予考虑的重要因素，我们更倾向于强调质量、效率以及对国内法律、文化和惯例的深入了解，而非价格。\n\n在现阶段，很难给出概略金额并设定固定费用以协助进行预算。请注意，我们的标准小时费率（不含VAT）如下：\n\n职位 费率（USD）\n\n高级律师 575\n主管（合伙人） 400\n高级律师助理 300\n律师助理 250\n假设及条件：\n\n本提案受以下假设及条件约束。\n\n• 任何税务、金融、会计、运营、技术、IT、保险、雇佣、数据及竞争事项均不在工作范围内；\n• 未经您事先授权，我们不会就工作范围以外的事项计收费用和支出；\n• VAT将按开具发票时适用的税率收取；\n• 客户应提供为使我们遵守《金融情报及反洗钱法》及其他适用法律而进行内部合规所需的全部KYC资料。\n• 尽管本文件有任何相反规定，发票款项应根据破产法院制定及要求的报酬程序，经适当申请后，按破产法院允许的金额支付。客户应及时办理所需程序，且无论如何不得迟于收到发票后30日。若破产法院因任何原因自申请之日起超过120日仍未作出授权，ENSafrica有权终止委托。为免生疑，Despins先生以其个人身份，以及Paul Hasting LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所），均不对已提供服务的报酬或费用偿还承担责任。\n\n• 尽管本文件有任何相反规定，所有与支付及核准我们的费用和支出有关的事项，包括有关从信托持有的资金中付款及／或任何主张的抵销权，均应由破产法院根据其制定及要求的报酬程序决定。除前一句规定的有限范围外，ENSafrica不接受美利坚合众国的管辖，亦不会以任何方式使ENSafrica受制于或被视为已接受美利坚合众国的管辖。\n补充信息\n\n所有工作均应按照我们的《标准条款及条件》进行，其副本随本费用提案一并发送（附件1），但须受本聘任函条款的约束并按其修订。\n\n我们相信您会认为上述内容令人满意，并期待在此事项上与您合作。\n\n再次感谢您给予我们机会，协助您保护Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）破产财产的利益。\n\n如您有任何问题或需要补充信息，请随时联系我们；亦请随时联系我们的主要关系联系人。\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 3625 Filed 10/02/24 Entered 10/02/24 13:29:00 Page 21 of 41\n关系合伙人\nThierry Koenig（蒂埃里·柯尼希） 高级律师 国家主管\n\n+230 203 2820 +230 5729 9990 tkoenig@ENSafrica.com\n\n18 Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis, 11302, Mauritius\nENSafrica（Mauritius）\n\n代表：Thierry Koenig SA\n\n确认并接受：\n\n签署：Ander 10 及姓名：Mr. Luc Despins（吕克·德斯平斯先生），Cos Chergitter\n\n日期：J.J ... / ST\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 3625 Filed 10/02/24 Entered 10/02/24 13:29:00 Page 22 of 41\n附件C\n\nKoenig声明\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n关于： Chapter 11\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等， ：Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。 ：合并管理\nTHIERRY KOENIG声明，以支持Chapter 11受托人提出的申请，请求依据《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条作出命令，授权并批准聘任ENSafrica (Mauritius)为毛里求斯共和国律师\n\n本人Thierry Koenig，经依法宣誓后，声明如下：\n\n1. 本人系根据《法律执业者法》具备资格的法律执业者，并已获准在毛里求斯最高法院以律师身份执业。本人为ENSafrica（毛里求斯）（“ENS”）的董事总经理及国家主管，该所是根据《法律执业者法》获许可的合资律师事务所，其办公地址位于Mauritius, 18 Edith Cavell Street, Level 3-7, Port Louis；本人作出本声明（“声明”），以支持Chapter 11受托人提出的申请，请求依据《破产法典》第327、328及330条、《破产程序规则》第2016条及《地方破产程序规则》第2014-1及2016-1条，授权并批准聘任ENSafrica（毛里求斯）担任毛里求斯共和国律师（“申请”），涉及聘任ENS担任与毛里求斯诉讼及相关事项有关的律师（“聘任”），包括就上述事项指示高级大律师Patrice Doger de Speville（帕特里斯·多热·德·斯佩维尔）及顾问律师William de Robillard（威廉·德·罗比亚尔）（合称“出庭大律师”）。\n\n这些Chapter 11案件中的债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（亦称Guo Wengui、Miles Guo及Miles Kwok，以及其他众多别名）（税务识别号末四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（杰尼弗控股有限责任公司）（税务识别号末四位：8202）及Genever Holdings Corporation（杰尼弗控股公司）。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC及Genever Holdings Corporation的邮寄地址为Paul Hastings LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所），200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交作为Ho Wan Kwok破产财产受托人的Luc A. Despins（吕克·A·德斯平斯）（仅为通知及通信之目的）。\n\n2. 就该聘任而言，ENS的专业客户为Ho Wan Kwok（“债务人”）在上述Chapter 11案件（“Chapter 11案件”）中的“财产”。就该聘任而言，ENS将寻求从该财产中收回ENS的费用，本人将代表ENS在该Chapter 11案件中提交费用申请。\n\n3. 本人于1978年在De Comarmond & Koenig开始律师实习期，担任律师书记员。本人于1984年获得University of Aix Marseille - Reunion（艾克斯-马赛大学留尼汪分校）法学硕士学位，并于1986年获准在毛里求斯以律师身份执业。本人于2010年通过共和国总统颁发的专利证书获任高级律师，并且是非洲大陆首位获选成为International Association of Defence Counsel (IADC)（国际辩护律师协会）成员的律师。此外，本人于2020年至2022年担任The Mauritius Law Society（毛里求斯律师协会）主席，主持审查《证券（收购）规则》的委员会，并由首席大法官任命，在Council of Vocational Legal Education (CVLE)（职业法律教育委员会）任职超过7年。目前，本人担任Law Reform Commission (LRC)（法律改革委员会）及Institute of Judicial and Legal Studies (IJLS)（司法和法律研究所）成员。本人经验涵盖公司事项、破产、银行和融资，以及复杂商业诉讼和仲裁，其中包括执行担保方面的丰富经验。\n\n4. ENS将依据《破产法典》第330及331条、《破产程序规则》第2016条、《地方破产程序规则》第2016-1条，以及与本Chapter 11案件有关的任何其他适用规则和命令，就与该聘任相关的已提供专业服务申请报酬，并申请偿还已发生的费用。\n\n2 除非另有定义，本文件中使用但未定义的大写术语具有申请中规定的含义。\n\n5. ENS将就该聘任按我们的小时计费费率收费。目前，ENS 2024年的小时费率为：高级律师$575、主管（合伙人）$400、高级律师助理$300，以及律师助理$250。ENS亦可就代表Chapter 11受托人支付的任何实付费用向该财产收费，包括复印、邮资和包裹递送、法院费用、庭审记录、证人费用、差旅费用及计算机辅助研究。\n\n6. 经适当调查后，据本人所知及所信，ENS属于《United States Code（美国法典）》第101(14)条所称的“无利害关系人士”，因为ENS及其雇员：\n\n• 并非债务人的债权人、股权证券持有人或内部人士；\n• 在债务人提交破产申请之日前两年内并非且此前亦非债务人的董事、高级职员或雇员；以及\n• 不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，而对债务人财产或任何类别债权人或股权证券持有人的利益具有实质性不利的利益。\n\n7. 本人将作为附表1附于本声明的，是Paul Hastings在本人签署本声明之前制作并提供给ENS的一份与Chapter 11案件有关的利害关系方（“利害关系方”）综合清单；据本人获悉，该清单包括：\n\n• 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各方[Docket No. 78]；\n\n• 债务人财务状况说明书（“SOFA”）[Docket No. 77]中列明的各方，包括：(i) 于Chapter 11案件提交前90日内收取付款的人员（SOFA第3部分，第6问）；(ii) 债务人作为当事方参与的诉讼所涉各方（SOFA第4部分，第9问）；以及债务人拥有的企业（SOFA第11部分，第27问）。\n\n• 在Chapter II案件中提交出庭通知的各方及其律师；\n• 法院及United States Trustee（美国受托人）办公室人员；以及\n• 因Chapter 11受托人对债务人资产进行持续调查而本人知悉的其他利害关系方。\n\nENS已对照我们的记录和数据，对利害关系方进行了合理核查，并确定，据我们所知及所信，除以下例外外，ENS与利害关系方不存在任何关系或联系：\n\na. 下列银行和金融机构为 ENSafrica 的客户；ENSafrica 在包括 Mauritius（毛里求斯）在内的多个非洲司法管辖区设有办事处，并且在财务上完全一体化：\n\ni. Barclays Bank PLC（巴克莱银行）；\nii. Bank Of China（中国银行）；\niii. Citibank（花旗银行）；\niv. HSBC Bank USA（汇丰银行美国）；\nv. Standard Chartered Bank（渣打银行）；\nvi. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.（富国银行）；以及\nvii. UBS AG（瑞银集团）。\n\nb. 下列大型公司和企业为 ENSafrica 的客户：\n\ni. Amazon Web Services LLC（亚马逊云服务有限责任公司）；\nii. Amazon Web Services, Inc.（亚马逊云服务公司）；\niii. Amazon.Com Inc.（亚马逊公司）；\niv. Ernst & Young LLP（安永）；\nv. Meta Platforms Inc.（元平台公司）；\nvi. Spotify Technology S.A.（Spotify Technology 股份有限公司）；以及\nvii. Spotify USA, Inc.（Spotify 美国公司）。\n\nc. ENSafrica 作为一家拥有逾 220 名合伙人和 1,000 名律师的泛非律师事务所，已就临时法律事项协助世界各地众多律师事务所。因此，ENSafrica 已协助下列律师事务所：\n\ni. DLA Piper LLC US；\nii. Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP；\niii. Hogan Lovells International LLP；\niv. Herbert Smith Freehills New York LLP；\nv. Greenberg Traurig, LLP；\nvi. K&L Gates LLP；\nvii. Michcon de Reya LLP；\nviii. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP；\nix. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP；\nx. Sidley Austin LLP；\nxi. Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP；\nxii. Wedlake Bell LLP；以及\nxiii. Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP。\n\n上述 a.、b. 和 c. 分项中列明的各项关系均与债务人及本 Chapter 11 案件无关。\n\n8. 尽管 ENS 已尽职努力查明与利害关系方之间的任何关联或潜在利益冲突，但如发现任何补充信息，ENS 将审查、披露并解决可能出现的任何利益冲突或不利利益关系。\n\n9. 根据上述情况，且就我基于目前可获得的信息所能查明的范围而言：(a) ENS 与债务人、其债权人、U.S. Trustee（美国受托人）、美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人员，或对债务人具有实际或潜在利益的任何其他方，或其各自的律师或会计师，均无关联；以及 (b) (i) ENS 及其雇员均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) ENS 及其雇员在 Petition Date（申请日）前两年内均未曾担任债务人或其关联方的董事、高级职员或雇员，以及 (iii) ENS 及其雇员并未因与债务人之间的任何直接关系、关联或利益，或因任何其他原因，而对债务人破产财产的利益或任何类别债权人或股权证券持有人的利益具有重大不利利益。因此，我从与 Paul Hastings 的讨论中理解，这意味着 ENS 属于经 section 1107(b) 修正的 Bankruptcy Code（《破产法》）section 101(14) 所称的“无利害关系人”。\n\n10. 我还从该等讨论中理解，U.S. Trustee Guidelines（美国受托人指引）附录 B（“Larger Case Guidelines（大型案件指引）”）不适用于本 Chapter 11 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。具体而言，据告知，债务人估计其资产价值介于 $50,001 和 $100,000 之间。\n\n11. 为提供最大程度的披露，且尽管我对于 Larger Case Guidelines 不适用的立场，我代表 ENS 就 Larger Case Guidelines 第 D.1. 段所载的信息请求作出如下答复：\n\n问题：您是否同意就本委聘采用与您标准或惯常收费安排不同的任何变更或替代方案？\n\n答复：否。\n\n问题：本委聘所包括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答复：否。\n\n问题：如您在申请前 12 个月内曾代理该客户，请披露申请前委聘的收费费率和重大财务条款，包括申请前 12 个月内的任何调整。如您的收费费率和重大财务条款在申请后发生变化，请说明差异及其原因。\n\n答复：不适用。ENS 此前未代理 Chapter 11 Trustee（Chapter 11 受托人）。\n\n问题：您的客户是否已批准您预期的预算和人员配置计划，如已批准，批准的预算期间为何？\n\n答复：不适用。\n\n12. ENS 未与任何其他人分享，亦未同意分享与本委聘有关而收取的报酬，但 Bankruptcy Code §504(b)(1) 所允许者除外。\n\n13. 我同意，法院就批准 Chapter 11 Trustee 与本人就本委聘所受指示相关的申请所作出的任何命令中，可载入下列文字。\n\n对 ENS 的任何报酬准许，应限于其作为受指示代表 Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins 行事的律师实际提供的服务和实际发生的费用，且不得包括在没有律师协助的情况下通常由 Chapter 11 受托人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，本人依照美国法律，在伪证罪处罚下声明，上述陈述真实且正确。\n\n日期：September 30, 2024，地点：Port Louis（路易港），Republic of Mauritius（毛里求斯共和国）\n\nThierry Koenig\n\n附表 1\n\n利害关系方名单——IN RE KWOK\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 YUE HUA ZHU SHI XIONG XIAN WEI YE HUIZEN WANG\n\n债务人、家庭成员及若干关联实体\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵，亦称 MILES GWOK、MILES GUO 和 WENGUI GUO）HING CH NGOK/YUE QINGZHI QIANG GUO（亦称 MILESON GUO）MEI GUO/MEI GUI HK INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INVESTMENTS (USA) LIMITED, LLC BRA VO LUCK LIMITED GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC\n\n破产法官及美国受托人员工\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","key_entities":["Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Guo","Paul Hastings","Je","Miles Guo","Himalaya","Luc Despins","CIPA"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":6869,"status":"published","published_at":"2024-10-02 00:00:00","created_at":"2024-10-02","updated_at":"2026-08-23 19:57:23"}