{"id":"court_ctb_3941_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":3941,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":null,"title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | x                                |   |","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| x                                |   |                            |\n|----------------------------------|---|----------------------------|\n|                                  | : |                            |\n| In<br>re:                        | : | Chapter 11                 |\n|                                  | : |                            |\n| HO<br>WAN<br>KWOK,<br>et<br>al., | : | Case<br>No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n|                                  | : |                            |\n| Debtors.1                        | : | RE:<br>ECF<br>No.<br>3911  |\n|                                  | : |                            |\n| x                                |   | Jointly<br>Administered    |\n\n## **ORDER (A) GRANTING APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327(e) AND 330, BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AND LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014-1 AND 2016-1, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF KOBRE & KIM (GCC) LLP AS SPECIAL COUNSEL IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES**\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 Kobre & Kim (GCC) LLP (\"Kobre & Kim\"), as special counsel in the United Arab Emirates (the \"UAE\"), effective as of November 13, 2024, pursuant to sections 327(e) 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 Hughes\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<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Application or the Hughes Declaration.\n\nDeclaration; 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 Hughes Declaration, and the record of any hearing on the Application before this Court establish just cause for the relief granted herein, (iii) Kobre & Kim is a \"disinterested person,\" as defined in section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, and (iv) Kobre & Kim 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 including a hearing held on January 7, 2025, and after consideration of the objection of the Office of the United States Trustee; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is hereby ORDERED THAT:\n\n1. The Application is granted as set forth herein and the objection of the Office of the United States Trustee discussed during the hearing is overruled.\n\n2. The Chapter 11 Trustee is authorized to retain and employ Kobre & Kim as his special counsel in the UAE pursuant to sections 327(e) and 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, effective as of November 13, 2024 on the terms set forth in the Application and the Hughes Declaration.\n\n3. Kobre & Kim is authorized to act as the Chapter 11 Trustee's special counsel in the UAE, and to perform those services described in the Application.\n\n4. The Estate shall be responsible for Kobre & Kim's compensation and reimbursement of expenses with respect to the engagement.\n\n5. The allowance of any compensation to be paid to Kobre & Kim 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. Any disputes regarding compensation shall be determined solely by this Court.\n\n6. To the extent it may become necessary to engage Kobre & Kim lawyers with hourly rates of up to \\$2,750 in connection with specialized legal or investigatory work in the UAE, the Trustee shall seek separate court approval upon notice and a hearing.\n\n7. Allowance of any compensation for Kobre & Kim shall be limited to the extent of services actually performed, and expenses actually incurred, as special 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 counsel.\n\n8. Kobre & Kim shall be entitled to indemnification to the extent required under the terms of the Engagement Letter, as modified pursuant to this Order; *provided*, *however*, that any request for indemnification by Kobre & Kim shall be subject to review by the Court as set forth herein to ensure that payment of such indemnity conforms to the terms of the Engagement Letter, as modified pursuant to this Order, and is reasonable under the circumstances of the litigation or settlement in respect of which indemnity is sought; *provided*, further, that in no event shall Kobre & Kim be indemnified in the case of its own bad-faith, self-dealing, breach of fiduciary duty (if any), gross negligence, willful misconduct, or violation of the non-disclosure agreement.\n\n9. If, before the earlier of (i) the entry of an order confirming a chapter 11 plan in these chapter 11 cases (that order having become a final order no longer subject to appeal), or (ii) the entry of an order closing these chapter 11 cases, Kobre & Kim believes that it is entitled to the payment of any amounts by the Trustee on account of the his indemnification obligations under the Engagement Letter, as modified pursuant to this Order, Kobre & Kim must file an application therefor in the Court, and the Trustee may not pay any such amounts to Kobre & Kim before the entry of an order by this Court approving the payment. With respect to any amounts sought by Kobre & Kim as reimbursement for attorneys' fees and expenses in connection with the payment of an indemnity claim pursuant to the Engagement Letter, as modified by this Order, the invoices and supporting time records for the attorneys' fees and expenses shall be included in Kobre & Kim's application to the Court and these invoices and time records shall be subject to the Amended Guidelines and the approval of the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code without regard to whether such attorneys have been retained under section 327 of the Bankruptcy Code, and without regard to whether such attorneys' services satisfy section 330(a)(3)(C) of the Bankruptcy Code. This paragraph is intended only to specify the period of time under which the Court shall have jurisdiction over any request for fees and expenses by Kobre & Kim for indemnification, contribution, or reimbursement, and not a provision limiting the duration of the obligation to indemnify Kobre & Kim. All parties in interest shall retain the right to object to any demand by Kobre & Kim for indemnification, contribution, or reimbursement.\n\n10. Kobre & Kim shall not be entitled to reimbursement by the Trustee for any fees, disbursements and other charges of Kobre & Kim's counsel other than those incurred in connection with a request of Kobre & Kim for payment of indemnity approved by the Court.\n\n11. Kobre & Kim 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\n12. The Chapter 11 Trustee is authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted in this Order.\n\n13. The requirements of the Local Bankruptcy Rules are satisfied by the contents of the Application.\n\n14. To the extent the Application, the Hughes Declaration, and the Engagement Letter (including the Appendix - the Standard Terms of Engagement) are inconsistent with this Order, the terms of this Order shall govern. Further, the final sentence of paragraph 6 of the Appendix - Standard Terms of Engagement shall be limited to the utilization of paraprofessionals who are employed by Kobre & Kim and shall not authorize reimbursement of overhead expenses.\n\n15. The terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon its entry.\n\n16. This Court shall retain jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or related to the implementation, interpretation, and enforcement of this Order.\n\nDated at Bridgeport, Connecticut this 7th day of January, 2025.\n\n*Juli* **'L'Mr** *IN1.ning\\_ '/J11ite,{ S ptcy Judge 'lJistr t {cut*","body_zh":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格州破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\nx\n\n关于：　第 11 章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，　案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。1　关于：ECF 编号：\n\nx　合并审理\n（A）根据《破产法典》第 327(e) 条和第 330 条、《联邦破产程序规则》第 2014 条和第 2016 条以及《地方破产程序规则》第 2014-1 条和第 2016-1 条，批准第 11 章受托人要求作出命令以授权并批准聘用 KOBRE & KIM (GCC) LLP 作为阿拉伯联合酋长国特别法律顾问的申请的裁定\n\n鉴于上述第 11 章案件（以下简称“第 11 章案件”）中的第 11 章受托人 Luc A. Despins（以下简称“第 11 章受托人”）提出申请（以下简称“申请”）2，请求根据《美国法典》第 11 编（以下简称“《破产法典》”）第 327(e) 条和第 330 条、《联邦破产程序规则》（以下简称“《破产规则》”）第 2014 条和第 2016 条以及《美国康涅狄格州破产法院地方破产程序规则》（以下简称“《地方破产规则》”）第 2014-1 条和第 2016-1 条，获得授权自 2024年11月13日 起聘用 Kobre & Kim (GCC) LLP（以下简称“Kobre & Kim”）作为在 United Arab Emirates（阿拉伯联合酋长国，以下简称“阿联酋”）的特别法律顾问，所有详情均载于该申请中；并在审阅该申请及 Hughes\n\n1 本案各第 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，以及若干其他化名）（税务识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号后四位：8202）和 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 和 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为 Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于送达通知和通信目的）。\n\n2 本文中已首字母大写但未另作定义的术语，具有申请或 Hughes 声明中所规定的含义。\n\n声明后；且本法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 和 1334 以及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格区联邦地区法院）的常规移送命令对审理该申请及其中所请求的救济具有管辖权；且根据 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)，审理该申请及其中所请求的救济属于核心程序；且根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 和 1409，本法院为适当审判地；且本法院认定：(i) 申请中所请求的救济符合债务人破产财产、其债权人及所有利害关系方的最大利益，(ii) 申请和 Hughes 声明中所述的法律与事实依据，以及本法院就该申请举行的任何听证会记录，构成了批准本裁定中所给予救济的正当理由，(iii) Kobre & Kim 系《破产法典》第 101(14) 条所定义的“无利害关系人”，以及 (iv) Kobre & Kim 未持有且未代表与债务人破产财产相冲突的利益；且在特定情形下已给予适当且充分的申请通知；且看似无需给予其他或进一步的通知；并在审查本法院此前进行的所有程序（包括于 2025年1月7日 举行的听证会），且考虑了 Office of the United States Trustee（美国受托人办公室）提出的异议之后；经审慎研议且存在充分理由，特此裁定如下：\n\n1. 申请按本文所述予以批准，听证会期间讨论的美国受托人办公室的异议予以驳回。\n\n2. 授权第 11 章受托人根据《破产法典》第 327(e) 条和第 330 条，按照申请和 Hughes 声明中载明的条款，自 2024年11月13日 起聘用 Kobre & Kim 作为其在阿联酋的特别法律顾问。\n\n3. 授权 Kobre & Kim 作为第 11 章受托人在阿联酋的特别法律顾问开展工作，并履行申请中所述的各项服务。\n\n4. 破产财产应负责支付与本次聘用相关的 Kobre & Kim 的报酬及垫付费用报销。\n\n5. 支付给 Kobre & Kim 的任何报酬的核准，应依照《破产法典》第 330 条和第 331 条、《破产规则》第 2016 条及《地方破产规则》第 2016-1 条所规定的程序确定。有关报酬的任何争议应完全由本法院裁决。\n\n6. 在阿联酋进行专项法律或调查工作过程中，若有必要聘用小时费率最高达 $2,750 的 Kobre & Kim 律师，受托人应在发出通知并举行听证会后另行向法院申请批准。\n\n7. 给予 Kobre & Kim 的任何报酬核准，应仅限于其作为第 11 章受托人 Luc A. Despins 的特别法律顾问实际履行的服务及实际发生的费用，不得包括通常由第 11 章受托人在无律师协助下自行履行的任何受托人职责的报酬。\n\n8. Kobre & Kim 有权在根据本裁定修订后的《聘用协议》条款所要求的范围内获得赔偿保证；但前提是，Kobre & Kim 提出的任何赔偿保证请求均应按照本文规定接受本法院的审查，以确保支付该等赔偿金符合根据本裁定修订后的《聘用协议》条款，且在寻求赔偿所涉及的诉讼或和解的情形下属于合理；此外，在任何情况下，若属于其自身的恶意、自我交易、违反信义义务（如有）、重大过失、故意不当行为或违反保密协议的情形，Kobre & Kim 绝不得获得赔偿保证。\n\n9. 若在以下两者中较早发生者之前：(i) 本各第 11 章案件中确认第 11 章重整计划的裁定被作出（且该裁定已成为不可再上诉的最终裁定），或 (ii) 结案裁定被作出，Kobre & Kim 认为其有权因受托人在根据本裁定修订后的《聘用协议》项下的赔偿保证义务而从受托人处获得任何款项的支付，则 Kobre & Kim 必须向本法院提出相应申请，且在法院作出批准支付的裁定之前，受托人不得向 Kobre & Kim 支付任何此类款项。关于 Kobre & Kim 根据本裁定修订后的《聘用协议》寻求报销的与赔偿保证主张相关的律师费和开支款项，律师费和开支的发票及支持性工时记录应包含在 Kobre & Kim 向法院提交的申请中，且这些发票和工时记录应受《修订指引》的约束，并由破产法院根据《破产法典》第 330 条和第 331 条予以批准，无论该等律师是否根据《破产法典》第 327 条获得聘用，亦无论该等律师的服务是否符合《破产法典》第 330(a)(3)(C) 条的规定。本款仅旨在明确本法院对 Kobre & Kim 提出的任何赔偿保证、分摊或报销的费用与开支请求拥有管辖权的期限，而非限制赔偿 Kobre & Kim 义务期限的条款。所有利害关系方均保留对 Kobre & Kim 提出的任何赔偿保证、分摊或报销要求提出异议的权利。\n\n10. 除与经法院批准的 Kobre & Kim 赔偿支付请求相关的费用外，Kobre & Kim 无权由受托人报销 Kobre & Kim 自身律师的任何费用、垫付款项和其他收费。\n\n11. Kobre & Kim 在实施任何费率上调前，应提前不少于十个工作日向第 11 章受托人、美国受托人以及任何官方委员会的律师发出通知，并将该通知提交给法院备案。\n\n12. 第 11 章受托人获得授权并被赋予权力采取一切必要行动，以落实本裁定所批准的救济。\n\n13. 申请的内容符合《地方破产规则》的要求。\n\n14. 若申请、Hughes 声明及《聘用协议》（包括附录——《标准聘用条款》）与本裁定存在不一致之处，应以本裁定的条款为准。此外，附录——《标准聘用条款》第 6 款的最后一句话应仅限于使用受雇于 Kobre & Kim 的律师助理人员，不得授权报销间接运营开支。\n\n15. 本裁定的各项条款和条件在作出后应立即生效并具有执行力。\n\n16. 本法院应保留对因本裁定的执行、解释和强制执行而产生或与之相关的一切事项的管辖权。\n\n日期：2025年1月7日 于康涅狄格州布里奇波特。\n\nJulie A. Manning（朱莉·A·曼宁），美国破产法院法官，康涅狄格区","key_entities":["Je","Kwok","Despins","Guo","Ho Wan Kwok","Miles Guo","Paul Hastings"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":1584,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 12:55:26"}