{"id":"court_ctb_4021_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":4021,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":"2025-01-31","title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION In re:","summary_zh":"聘请拍卖商申请 —— Ho Wan Kwok 破产案（郭文贵 / Guo Wengui / Miles Guo），CTB 22-50073 ECF #4021（2025-01-31立案）。第 11 章受托人 Luc A. Despins 与 Genever Holdings LLC 联合申请依据《美国破产法典》聘用 The Hamilton Group, LLC 担任拍卖商，负责推销与拍卖破产财产中的机动车（包括 4 辆摩托车、1 辆杜卡迪及 1 辆雷克萨斯）以及存放在新泽西仓库的多批家具和个人财产。","summary_en":"Application to Employ Auctioneer — In re Ho Wan Kwok (Miles Guo / Guo Wengui), CTB 22-50073 ECF #4021 (filed 2025-01-31). Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins and Genever Holdings LLC jointly applied under the Bankruptcy Code to employ and appoint The Hamilton Group, LLC as auctioneer to market and auction estate personal property, including multiple vehicles (four motorcycles, a Ducati, and a Lexus) and various furniture stored in New Jersey.","body_en":"# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n---------------------------------------------------------- x\n\nIn re:\n\nChapter 11\n\nHO WAN KWOK, *et al*., 1\n\nCase No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n\nDebtors.\n\n(Jointly Administered)\n\n----------------------------------------------------------- x\n\n## **APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE AND GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC TO EMPLOY AND APPOINT THE HAMILTON GROUP, LLC AS AUCTIONEER**\n\nLuc A. Despins, in his capacity as chapter 11 trustee (the \"Trustee\") of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Individual Debtor\"), and Genever Holdings LLC (\"Genever US\" and, together with the Trustee, the \"Applicants\") hereby file this application (the \"Application\") requesting entry of an order, substantially in the form attached as **Exhibit A** hereto (the \"Proposed Order\"), to employ and appoint The Hamilton Group, LLC (\"Hamilton\") as auctioneer to the estates of the Individual Debtor and Genever US (the \"Estates\"), in accordance with 11 U.S.C. §§ 327 and 328, to market and auction certain motor vehicles and other personal property (including furniture). In support of this Application, the Applicants submit the declaration of Michael J. Knudsen, a member of Hamilton (the \"Knudsen Declaration\"), a copy of which is attached hereto as **Exhibit B** and incorporated herein by reference, and respectively state as follows:\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n# **PRELIMINARY STATEMENT<sup>2</sup>**\n\n1. During the course of the Trustee's investigation of the financial affairs of the Individual Debtor, the Trustee has identified certain personal property that belongs to the Individual Debtor's Estate and Genever US's Estate, and which should be monetized for the benefit of the respective Estate's creditors. As it relates to the Individual Debtor's Estate, this property includes:\n\n- a. four motorcycles (the \"Four Motorcycles\"), namely:\n\t- i. a 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle with a VIN number of 1HD1TBH1XMB957197,\n\t- ii. a 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle with a VIN number of 1HD1TEH1XMB956441,\n\t- iii. a 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle with a VIN number of 1HD1FBC10MB661233, and\n\t- iv. a 2022 BMW motorcycle with a VIN number of WB10L4303N6F02046;\n- b. a 2021 Ducati Diavel motorcycle bearing VIN number ZDMGAHRW5MB005016 (the \"Ducati\");\n- c. a 2017 Lexus NX 200T (the \"Lexus,\" and together with the Four Motorcycles, the Ducati, the \"First Vehicle Group\");\n- d. certain furniture and other personal property previously located at two storage units at Westy Storage (the \"Golden Spring Property\");<sup>3</sup>\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms not defined in the Preliminary Statement shall have the meaning ascribed to them later in the Application.\n\n<sup>3</sup> For the avoidance of doubt, using defined terms such as the Golden Spring Property, HCHK Property, Greenwich Land, and Genever US Property in this Application solely serves the purpose of describing the furniture and property items. The Trustee by no means implies or concedes that Golden Spring, the HCHK Entities, Greenwich Land, or Genever US own any of such furniture and personal property. To be clear, all Golden Spring Property, HCHK Property, and the Greenwich Land Property are the Individual Debtor's property which are the property of the chapter 11 estate. Moreover, as the Court may recall, the Trustee has already determined that the Individual Debtor had moved some items from one location associated with one of the Individual Debtor's alter egos to another location associated with another of the Individual Debtor's alter ego.\n\n- e. certain furniture and personal property previously located at the HCHK Office (the \"HCHK Property\");<sup>4</sup> and\n- f. certain furniture and personal property previously located at the Taconic Property (the \"Greenwich Land Property\").<sup>5</sup>\n- 2. In addition, Genever US's principal assets consist of the Sherry Netherland\n\nApartment and certain furniture previously located at that apartment. As the Court may recall, in order to conduct remediation work at the Sherry Netherland Apartment, all furniture and personal previously located at the Sherry Netherland Apartment (the \"Genever US Property,\" and together with the Golden Spring Property, Greenwich Land Property, and HCHK Property, the \"First Furniture Group\") have also been moved into storage.<sup>6</sup> The First Furniture Group is currently stored in warehouse facilities in New Jersey (the \"New Jersey Storage Facility\"), with each of the Golden Spring Property, the HCHK Property, the Greenwich Land Property, and the Genever US Property being stored and kept separate from one another.<sup>7</sup>\n\n3. In accordance with the Applicants' statutory duty to maximize value for the Estates' creditors, by this Application, the Applicants seek to employ and appoint Hamilton as auctioneer to market and auction (a) the First Vehicle Group, (b) additional vehicles that may be identified and recovered by the Applicants in the future (the \"Additional Vehicles\" and,\n\n<sup>4</sup> The HCHK Property defined herein does not include a Bösendorfer 185VC Porsche #49539 piano, which is subject to the U.S. Government's forfeiture allegation in connection with the Individual Debtor's ongoing criminal case pending in the District Court for the Southern District of New York.\n\n<sup>5</sup> The Trustee has learned that the Greenwich Land Property may contain furniture items that were originally moved from the Debtor's mansion in Mahwah, New Jersey (the \"Mahwah Mansion\"). The Trustee is currently in the process of investigating and identifying such furniture items. Subject to his determination, the furniture items originally moved from the Mahwah Mansion will be removed from the Greenwich Land Property for purpose of the Furniture Auction.\n\n<sup>6</sup> The Genever US Property consists of furniture that was originally acquired by Genever US in connection with the purchase of the Sherry Netherland Apartment and additional furniture acquired by the Debtor thereafter. The Trustee and Genever US reserve all rights as to the allocation, as between their respective estates, of the proceeds of the Genever US Property.\n\n<sup>7</sup> Given that the property of two separate estates are at issue here, the proceeds from the Genever US Property will be kept separate from the proceeds of the other property to be sold.\n\ncollectively with the First Vehicles Group, the \"Estate Vehicles\"), (c) the First Furniture Group, and (d) additional furniture and/or personal property that may be identified and recovered by the Applicants in the future (the \"Additional Furniture\" and, collectively with the First Furniture Group, the \"Estate Furniture\"). For the avoidance of doubt, by this Application, the Applicants are not seeking authorization to sell the Estate Vehicles or the Estate Furniture. Such relief will be requested by separate motions (as further detailed below).\n\n4. Hamilton is well-situated to conduct the sale and auction process here. Hamilton employs a group of professional auctioneers, certified appraisers and marketing personnel with combined experience spanning 150 years. With an office located in Clinton, Connecticut, Hamilton has significant experience in the appraisal, marketing, and auction of personal property, including without limitation, motor vehicles, furniture items, personal property, and high-end furniture and antique items. Moreover, Hamilton is a disinterested person within the meaning of 11 U.S.C. § 101(14).\n\n5. The services to be provided by Hamilton with respect to the auction of the Estate Vehicles (the \"Vehicle Auction\") include: (a) preparing a written valuation report of all Estate Vehicles to be auctioned; (b) transporting the Estate Vehicles to Hamilton's secured and insured warehouse located in Clinton, Connecticut; (c) inspecting, cleaning, displaying, preparing and photographing the Estate Vehicles for internet auctions; (d) marketing the Vehicle Auction; and (e) coordinating, monitoring, and conducting internet auctions of the Estate Vehicles.\n\n6. The services to be provided by Hamilton with respect to the auction of the Estate Furniture (the \"Furniture Auction\") include: (a) inspecting, cleaning, preparing, photographing, and cataloging the Estate Furniture for internet auctions; (b) marketing the Furniture Auction, and (c) coordinating, monitoring, and conducting internet auctions of the Estate Furniture\n\n(including the checkout process following the auctions). A copy of the proposal from Hamilton with respect to the auction of the First Furniture Group is attached hereto as **Exhibit C**.\n\n7. The Applicants submit that approving the employment of Hamilton as the auctioneer for the marketing and auction of the Estate Vehicles and Estate Furniture is in the best interest of the Individual Debtor's Estate and Genever US's Estate and that, accordingly, Hamilton's retention, on the terms set forth herein, should be approved by the Court.\n\n#### **JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND STATUTORY BASES**\n\n8. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (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.\n\n9. This matter is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b).\n\n10. Venue of this proceeding and this Application is proper in this district pursuant to 28 U.S. C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n11. The relief sought in this Application is predicated upon sections 327 and 328 of title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\"), Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 2014, and Local Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 2014-1.\n\n#### **BACKGROUND**\n\n#### **I. Chapter 11 Cases**\n\n12. On October 12, 2020, Genever US filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the \"SDNY Bankruptcy Court\"), thereby commencing case number 20-12411 (JLG) (the \"SDNY Bankruptcy Case\")\n\n13. On February 15, 2022 (the \"Petition Date\"), the Individual Debtor filed with the Court a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n14. On March 21, 2022, the United States Trustee appointed an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the \"Committee\") in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case.\n\n15. On June 15, 2022, the Court entered a memorandum of decision and order [Main case Docket No. 465] (the \"Trustee Order\") directing the United States Trustee to appoint a chapter 11 trustee in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case. Pursuant to the Trustee Order, the United States Trustee selected Luc A. Despins as the Chapter 11 Trustee [Main Case Docket No. 514].\n\n16. On July 8, 2022, the Court entered an order granting the appointment of Luc A. Despins as the Chapter 11 Trustee in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case [Main Case Docket No. 523].\n\n17. On August 10, 2022, the Court entered an order [Main Case Docket No. 717] finding that the Trustee holds all of the Individual Debtor's economic and governance rights with respect to Genever BVI, which, in turn wholly owns Genever US.\n\n18. On September 30, 2022, the Trustee and Genever US filed a joint motion [Docket No. 211 in Case No. 22-50592] seeking an order from the SDNY Bankruptcy Court transferring the SDNY Bankruptcy Case to the Court. On November 3, 2022, the SDNY Bankruptcy Court entered an order [Docket No. 225 in Case No. 22-50592] granting the motion and the SDNY Bankruptcy Case was transferred to this Court.\n\n19. On October 11, 2022, Genever Holdings Corporation (\"Genever BVI,\" and together with Genever US, the \"Genever Debtors\") filed its voluntary chapter 11 petition in this Court.\n\n20. On November 3, 2022, the SDNY Bankruptcy Court entered an order [Docket No. 225 in Case No. 22-50592] transferring the venue of the SDNY Bankruptcy Case to this Court, which assigned it Case Number 22-50592.\n\n21. By order dated November 21, 2022 [Main Case Docket No. 1141], the Court approved the joint administration of the chapter 11 cases of Genever US, Genever BVI, and the Individual Debtor.\n\n#### **II. Sherry Netherland Apartment and Genever US Property**\n\n22. Genever US's principal assets consist of the 18th floor apartment and auxiliary units in the Sherry Netherland Hotel located at 781 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10022 (collectively, the \"Sherry Netherland Apartment\"), as well as certain furniture previously located at the apartment. The Sherry Netherland Apartment was purchased by Genever US in 2015 as a fully furnished residence. Since then, the Debtors has added additional furniture and other personal property to the Sherry Netherland Apartment.\n\n23. During the SDNY Bankruptcy Case, Bravo Luck Limited (\"Bravo Luck\"), an entity purportedly owned by the Individual Debtor's son, claimed beneficial ownership of the Sherry Netherland Apartment pursuant to a purported trust agreement signed by the Individual Debtor and his son. Shortly after the transfer of the SDNY Bankruptcy Case to this Court, the Trustee commenced an adversary proceeding against Bravo Luck [Adv. Proc. No. 22-05027], alleging, among other things, that the purported trust agreement was a forgery and the Individual Debtor (and now the estate) is the true beneficial owner of the apartment.\n\n24. On August 30, 2023, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order [Adv. Proc. No. 22- 05027, Docket No. 118] approving a settlement agreement by and between the Trustee, Genever US, Genever BVI, Bravo Luck, and the Individual Debtor's son, pursuant to which agreement\n\nBravo Luck and the Individual Debtor's son agreed, among other things, that (a) Genever US is the full and exclusive owner of the Sherry Netherland Apartment, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, with the Sherry Netherland Apartment constituting property of the Genever US estate under section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code and (b) Bravo Luck and the Individual Debtor's son will never assert any rights or claims for or related to the Sherry Netherland Apartment or the Genever Debtors, or any other assets related to the foregoing the Trustee asserts are part of the Individual Debtor's or the Genever Debtors' estates.\n\n25. As the Court is aware, on March 15, 2023, a fire broke out in the Sherry Netherland Apartment and caused significant damages to certain portions of the apartment. Following the fire, Genever US undertook to remediate the fire damages and clean the Sherry Netherland Apartment in order to prepare the apartment for sale. On or about May 1 and May 2, 2024, Genever US also caused the Genever US Property to be cleaned, packaged, and moved to the New Jersey Storage Facility.\n\n#### **III. Trustee's Investigations and Relevant Adversary Proceedings**\n\n26. Since his appointment, the Trustee has diligently conducted an extensive investigation into the Individual Debtor's complex financial history in order to identify, recover and liquidate assets for the benefit of the estate. The investigation has included worldwide discovery, dozens of depositions, and the review of hundreds of thousands of financial and other documents. As a result of this investigation, the Trustee has commenced hundreds of adversary proceedings (including the Golden Spring Adversary Proceeding, HCHK Adversary Proceeding, Greenwich Land Adversary Proceeding, and Cao Adversary Proceeding defined herein) and recovered assets of significant value for the Individual Debtor's estate.\n\n27. Among the assets the Trustee has recovered are motor vehicles used by the Individual Debtor, his family and close associates, as well as furniture items and other personal property of the Individual Debtor.\n\n28. The Trustee also anticipates that the ongoing investigation may result in the recovery of additional motor vehicles and furniture items as more information becomes available to the Trustee. As a result, the Trustee seeks the retention of Hamilton to conduct auction sales of the Additional Vehicles and Additional Furniture as they are recovered during the course of this case, with the initial auctions covering the First Vehicle Group and the First Furniture Group.\n\n#### **A. Golden Spring Adversary Proceeding**\n\n29. On July 25, 2023, the Trustee commenced an adversary proceeding by filing a Complaint against Golden Spring (New York) Ltd. (\"Golden Spring\") and China Golden Spring Group (Hong Kong) Limited [Adv. Proc. No. 23-05018, Docket No. 1] (the \"Golden Spring Adversary Proceeding\"), seeking, among other things, an order declaring that Golden Spring is an alter ego of the Individual Debtor and that Golden Spring and/or its assets are equitably owned by the Individual Debtor.\n\n30. On December 4, 2023, the Court issued its *Order Granting Motion of Chapter 11 Trustee for Estate of Ho Wan Kwok for Entry of Default Judgment Against Golden Spring (New York) Ltd and China Golden Spring Group (Hong Kong) Limited* [Adv. Proc. No. 23-05018, Docket No. 35] (the \"Golden Spring Order\"), finding, among other things, that Golden Spring was an alter ego of the Individual Debtor at all times and the any and all of the assets held by Golden Spring are property of the Estates.\n\n31. On February 23, 2024, the Trustee filed his *Motion for Order Enforcing Judgment and Requiring Turnover of Storage Unit Contents to Chapter 11 Estate* [Adv. Proc. No. 23- 05018, Docket No. 40] (the \"Motion to Enforce\"). As discussed in detail in the Trustee's Motion to Enforce, the Trustee learned from his investigation of the existence of four leased storage units located in New Jersey, near the Individual Debtor's mansion in Mahwah, New Jersey. The Trustee's team conducted an initial inspection and four subsequent visits to the storage units to inspect and inventory the various items stored therein. The Trustee learned from those visits that a significant number of the contents in the storage units bear indication that they belong to Golden Spring and/or the Individual Debtor directly.\n\n32. On March 26, 2024, the Court entered an order granting the Trustee's Motion to Enforce [Adv. Proc. No. 23-05018, Docket No. 46], whereby the Court found that contents located in two of the four storage units (which constitute the Golden Spring Property defined in this Application) are property of the Estates and ordered the turnover of the Golden Spring Property to the Trustee.\n\n33. On or around April 5, 2024, the Trustee caused the Golden Spring Property to be moved from the storage units at Westy Storage to the New Jersey Storage Facility.\n\n#### **B. HCHK Adversary Proceeding**\n\n34. On June 8, 2023, the Trustee commenced an adversary proceeding by filing a Complaint [Adv Proc. No. 23-05013, Docket No.1] (the \"HCHK Adversary Proceeding\") seeking, among other things, an order declaring that the HCHK Entities<sup>8</sup> are alter egos of the Individual Debtor and/or equitably owned by him.\n\n<sup>8</sup> The HCHK Entities refer to HCHK Technologies, Inc., HCHK Property Management, Inc., and Lexington Property and Staffing Inc.\n\n35. On July 28, 2023, the Court entered an *Order Approving, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, Chapter 11 Trustee's Settlement with Assignee of HCHK Entities under New York Court Assignment Proceedings* [Adv. Proc. No. 23-05013, Docket No. 70] (the \"HCHK Settlement Order\"), pursuant to which, Brian Hofmeister, in his capacity as the assignee of the HCHK Entities, was authorized, among other things, to secure leased premises of the HCHK Entities at 3 Columbus Circle, New York, New York (the \"HCHK Office\") as well as assets of the HCHK Entities located therein, and to arrange for storage of the assets at HCHK Office, subject to prior approval of the Trustee. As indicated in the Trustee's expense report filed on April 18, 2024 [Adv. Proc. No. 23-05013, Docket No. 284], on or about March 20, 2024, the Trustee paid expenses in connection with the moving and storage of the HCHK Property, which are currently and separately stored at the New Jersey Storage Facility.\n\n36. On March 8, 2024, the Trustee filed a Motion for Default Judgment [Adv. Proc. No, 23-05013, Docket No. 268], which motion was briefed and heard before the Court on April 23, 2024.\n\n37. On June 14, 2024, the Court issued a *Memorandum of Decision and Order Granting Motion for Default Judgment* [Adv. Proc. No. 23-05013, Docket No. 290] and on June 24, 2024, issued its *Amended Default Judgment and Permanent Injunction* [Adv. Proc. No. 23- 05013, Docket No. 297] (the \"HCHK Order\"), whereby the Court found, among other things, that at all times the HCHK Entities were alter egos of the Debtor and any and all assets of the HCHK Entities are property of the Estates.\n\n#### **C. Greenwich Land Adversary Proceeding**\n\n38. On March 27, 2023, the Trustee initiated an adversary proceeding by filing a Complaint [Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 1] (the \"Greenwich Land Adversary\n\nProceeding.\") against Greenwich Land, LLC (\"Greenwich Land\" and Hing Chi Ngok (\"Ms. Ngok\" and, together with Greenwich Land, collectively, the \"Greenwich Defendants\"), seeking, among other things, declaratory judgment that (i) Greenwich Land is an alter ego of the Debtor and ordering turnover of its assets, including the real and personal property located at 373 Taconic Road, Greenwich, Connecticut (the \"Taconic Property\"), to the Trustee, and (ii) a ruling declaring that the membership interest in Greenwich Land is property of the Estate and ordering the surrender of such membership interest to the Trustee.\n\n39. On July 2, 2024, for the reasons stated on the record and further set forth in the Court's *Memorandum of Decision and Order Granting Motion for Summary Judgment* [Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 133], the Court granted summary judgment in favor of the Trustee [Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 134] (the \"Greenwich Land Order\"), finding, among other things, that all property of Greenwich Land, including the Taconic Property, are property of the Estate to be administered by the Trustee, and ordering the turnover of the Taconic property to the Trustee.\n\n40. On July 10, 2024, the Greenwich Defendants filed a notice of their appeal (the \"Appeal\") with respect to the Greenwich Land Order [Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 138]. On July 12, 2024, the Greenwich Defendants filed a motion for stay pending the Appeal [Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 139] (the \"Stay Motion\") in the Greenwich Land Adversary Proceeding.\n\n41. On August 16, 2024, the Court entered its *Consent Order Resolving Motion for Stay Pending Appeal and Enforcing Summary Judgment* [Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 166] (\"Consent Order\"), pursuant to which, on August 20, 2024, (a) the Trustee assumed possession of the Taconic Property and its contents for the benefit of the Estate; and (b) the\n\nDefendants withdrew the Stay Motion with prejudice. The items of personal property at the Taconic Property turned over to the Trustee pursuant to the Consent Order include the Lexus and the Greenwich Land Property.\n\n42. As of August 20, 2024, the Trustee, in his capacity as chapter 11 trustee for the Debtor, became the owner of record with respect to the Lexus and began the process of transferring the title to the Lexus. In January 2025, the title transfer process for the Lexus to the Trustee was completed.\n\n43. In addition, in or around October 2024, the Trustee caused the Greenwich Land Property to be packaged and moved from the Taconic Property to the New Jersey Storage Facility where the Genever US Property, HCHK Property, and the Golden Spring Property are currently and separately stored.\n\n## **D. Cao Adversary Proceeding**\n\n44. On February 6, 2024, the Trustee commenced an adversary proceeding against Defeng Cao—long-time boyfriend of the Debtor's daughter, Mei Guo —by filing a Complaint [Adv Proc. No. 24-05001, Docket No.1] (the \"Cao Adversary Proceeding\") seeking, among other things, an order declaring that the Debtor is the equitable owner of the Four Motorcycles nominally held in Mr. Cao's name, (ii) declaring that the Four Motorcycles are property of the Debtor's chapter 11 estate, to be administered by the Trustee, and (iii) ordering Mr. Cao to turn over the Four Motorcycles to the Trustee.\n\n45. On April 12, 2024, the Trustee filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings [Adv. Proc. No, 24-05001, Docket No. 19] in connection with his claims regarding the Four Motorcycles in the Cao Adversary Proceeding, which motion was briefed and argued before the Court on May 24, 2024.\n\n46. On September 9, 2024, the Court granted the Trustee's motion [Adv. Proc. No. 24-05001, Docket No. 33], finding that the Debtor was the beneficial owner of the Four Motorcycles, and ordering the turnover of the Four Motorcycles and transfer of their titles to the Trustee (the \"Motorcycle Order\"). Soon after the entry of the Motorcycle Order, the Trustee obtained possession of the Four Motorcycles and commenced the process of transferring the titles of the Motorcycles.\n\n47. In January 2025, the title transfer process for the Four Motorcycles to the Trustee has been completed.\n\n#### **E. Ducati Motorcycle**\n\n48. By a motion dated May 10, 2024, filed with the consent of the then-registered owner of the Ducati, Scott Barnett [Main Case Docket No. 3177], the Trustee sought entry of a consent order declaring the Ducati to be the property of the Estate and transferring ownership of the Ducati from Scott Barnett to the Individual Debtor's Chapter 11 estate.\n\n49. On May 28, 2024, the Court entered the *Consent Order Regarding Transfer of Ownership of Ducati Motorcycle to Estate* [Main Docket No. 3220] (the \"Ducati Order\"), finding that the Ducati is exclusively property of the Debtor's estate to be administered by the Trustee and ordering the turnover of the Ducati to the Trustee, free and clear of all liens, claims, interests and encumbrances. Shortly after entry of the Ducati Order, the Trustee obtained possession of the Ducati and began the process of transferring the title of the Ducati.\n\n50. In October 2024, the title transfer process for the Ducati to the Trustee was completed.\n\n#### **SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED**\n\n#### **I. Vehicle Auction**\n\n51. The Trustee desires to sell the Estate Vehicles recovered by the Trustee via auction for the benefit of the Individual Debtor's Estate and has determined, after consulting with Hamilton, that the auction sales be conducted via an internet auction through a mechanism maintained by bidspotter.com (\"Bidspotter\"), a leading online auction mechanism company.\n\n52. The Trustee seeks to appoint Hamilton as auctioneer to take possession of, market and auction the Estate Vehicles upon the terms and conditions as described herein. Hamilton has significant experience conducting auctions in person and on the internet and has been retained to provide auction services for chapter 7 trustees in other bankruptcy estates in this district. The Knudsen Declaration describes Hamilton's qualifications and disinterestedness.\n\n- 53. The services Hamilton is expected to render for the Estates include the following:\n\t- a. conduct a comparative market valuation of the Estate Vehicles being sold;\n\t- b. provide detailed reports of the valuations of the Estate Vehicles to the Trustee;\n\t- c. remove and secure the Estate Vehicles to Hamilton's secured and insured warehouse in Clinton, Connecticut, where the Estate Vehicles will be inspected, cleaned, stored, displayed, and photographed for the internet auction; and\n\t- d. arrange, monitor, market and complete an internet auction for the Estates for the Estate Vehicles.\n\nHamilton will also consult with the Trustee regarding the marketing and sale of each of the Estate Vehicles. The Trustee also reserves the right to set a reserve price with respect to the Estate Vehicles, as he deems appropriate.\n\n54. There are no known liens or encumbrances on the titles to the First Vehicle Group.\n\n55. Hamilton has purchased surety bonds in an amount that meets the requirement under Local Bankruptcy Rule 6005-1. The Trustee will attach a copy of the surety bonds Hamilton obtains in connection with his forthcoming motion to sell the First Vehicle Group, and the original bonds will be provided to the Office of the United States Trustee.\n\n56. The Trustee seeks to have Hamilton conduct the auction sale of the First Vehicle Group as soon as practicable after obtaining an order approving Hamilton's retention and an order approving the sale of these First Vehicle Group. The Trustee will submit a completed Appendix O form with auction date(s) and details in connection with his forthcoming motion to authorize the sale the First Vehicle Group.\n\n57. If Hamilton's retention is approved by this Court and the Trustee subsequently recovers Additional Vehicles which he seeks to sell through Hamilton, the Trustee will file additional motion(s), on notice to parties in interest, requesting authorization to sell such Additional Vehicles, which shall include (i) a completed Appendix O form setting forth the date and method of the proposed auction sale, (ii) a description and estimated value of the Additional Vehicle(s) to be included in the proposed auction sale, (iii) a schedule of the estimated costs and expenses for the proposed auction sale, and (iv) a copy of the bond obtained by Hamilton for the Additional Vehicle(s) that will be auctioned.\n\n58. Further, the Trustee shall provide the original bond(s) to the United States Trustee within two (2) business days of Hamilton taking possession of Additional Vehicles. Such bond(s) shall cover 125% of the value of the Additional Vehicles in Hamilton's possession.\n\n## **II. Furniture Auction**\n\n59. The Trustee and Genever US desire to sell the Estate Furniture by auction for the benefit of the Estates and have determined, after consultation with Hamilton, that the auctions\n\nshould be conducted via the internet and supported by a mechanism maintained by Auction Ninja, a leading online auction mechanism company.\n\n60. The Trustee and Genever US seek to appoint Hamilton as auctioneer to take possession of, market and auction the Estate Furniture upon the terms and conditions as described herein. As discussed above and set out in the Knudsen Declaration, Hamilton has significant experience conducting auctions in person and on the internet including those involving high-end furnishings, office equipment, and other personal property.\n\n61. The services Hamilton is expected to render for the Furniture Auctions include the following:\n\n- a. inspect, clean, prepare, photograph, and catalogue the Estate Furniture for the internet auctions; and\n- b. arrange, monitor, market and complete online public auctions of the Estate Furniture.\n\nHamilton will also consult with the Trustee and Genever US regarding the marketing and sale of the Estate Furniture. While the Estate Furniture will generally be sold without any reserve price, the Trustee reserves the right to set a reserve price, as he deems appropriate.\n\n62. With respect to the First Furniture Group, Hamilton has conducted an initial inspection and for purpose of obtaining the surety bond, has estimated that the value of the furniture items to be at \\$150,000.<sup>9</sup>\n\n63. There are no known liens or encumbrances on the titles to the First Furniture Group.\n\n<sup>9</sup> To be clear, many of the furniture items from the First Furniture Group at the New Jersey Storage Facility remain professionally wrapped and packed in boxes and/or crates. The value estimate provided by Hamilton represents the best estimate it could make of for the purpose of obtaining the surety bond.\n\n64. Hamilton will purchase a surety bond that meets the requirement under Local Bankruptcy Rule 6005-1. A copy of the bond will be attached to the Trustee's forthcoming motion to sell the First Furniture Group and the original bond will be provided to the Office of the United States Trustee.\n\n65. The Trustee seeks to have Hamilton conduct the auction sale of the First Furniture Group as soon as practicable after obtaining an order approving Hamilton's retention and order approving the sale of the First Furniture Group. The Trustee will submit a completed Appendix O form with auction date(s) and details in connection with his forthcoming motion to sell the First Furniture Group.\n\n66. If Hamilton's retention is approved by this Court and the Trustee subsequently recovers Additional Furniture which he seeks to sell through Hamilton, the Trustee will file additional motion(s), on notice to parties in interest, requesting authorization to sell such Additional Furniture, which shall include (i) a completed Appendix O form setting forth the date and method of the proposed auction sale, (ii) a description and estimated value of the Additional Furniture to be included in the proposed auction sale, (iii) a schedule of the estimated costs and expenses for the proposed auction sale, and (iv) a copy of the bond obtained by Hamilton for the Additional Furniture that will be auctioned.\n\n67. Further, with respect to the Additional Furniture, the Trustee will provide the original bond(s) to the United States Trustee in connection with any additional motion(s) by the Trustee requesting authorization to sell such furniture. Such bond(s) shall cover 125% of the value of the Additional Furniture in Hamilton's possession.\n\n# **COMPENSATION**\n\n# **I. Vehicle Auction**\n\n68. Hamilton will be compensated for services in connection with the sale of Estate\n\nVehicles as follows:\n\n- a. 15% buyer's premium to be paid by buyer at auction (the buyer shall pay this buyer's premium directly to Hamilton), for the avoidance of doubt, the Estates shall not pay any premium to Hamilton; and\n- b. Reimbursement of costs and expenses of the auction sale, including:\n\t- i. a Bidspotter listing fee of \\$350 per auction,\n\t- ii. a 3% commission to Bidspotter based upon the gross sales price and payable from the proceeds of the sale,\n\t- iii. any towing costs (estimated at \\$518.80 for the First Vehicle Group),\n\t- iv. cleaning and detailing costs (estimated at \\$200 for the First Vehicle Group),\n\t- v. advertising costs (estimated at \\$800 for the First Vehicle Group), and\n\t- vi. costs of the bond (which is \\$850 for the First Vehicle Group).\n- 69. Hamilton shall seek court approval of its compensation for its auction sale\n\nservices after each auction sale of Estate Vehicles by filing a fee application.\n\n#### **II. Furniture Auction**\n\n70. Hamilton will be compensated for services in connection with the sale of First\n\nFurniture Group in three to four public online auctions as follows:\n\n- a. 15% commission from the Trustee and Genever US;\n- b. 15% buyer's premium to be paid by buyer at auction (the buyer shall pay this buyer's premium directly to Hamilton), for the avoidance of doubt, the Estates shall not pay any premium to Hamilton; and\n- c. Reimbursement of costs and expenses of the auction sale, including:\n\t- i. labor for preparation of auctions (estimated at \\$4,500.00),\n\t- ii. labor for checkout following the auctions (estimated at \\$6,480.00),\n\t- iii. advertising costs (estimated at \\$3,850.00),\n\t- iv. final value fee by Auction Ninja (at 2.35%), and\n\nv. costs of the bond (estimated at \\$1,200.00).\n\n71. Hamilton will be compensated for services in connection with the sale of the\n\nOther Furniture with a substantively similar compensation structure as noted above.\n\n72. Hamilton shall seek court approval of its compensation for its auction sale\n\nservices after the Furniture Auction by filing a fee application.\n\n# **BASIS FOR RELIEF**\n\n73. The Applicants seek to retain Hamilton as auctioneer for the Estate Vehicles and Estate Furniture pursuant to Section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, which provides that a chapter 11 trustee and/or a debtor in possession may, subject to court approval:\n\n> employ one or more attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auctioneers, or other 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\n74. Further, Section 328(a) of the Bankruptcy Code allows a trustee and/or a debtor in possession, \"with the court's approval, . . . [to] employ or authorize the employment of a professional person under section 327 . . . 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\n75. Under Bankruptcy Rule 2014(a), an application for retention must include:\n\n[S]pecific 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, or any person employed in the United States trustee's office.\n\n76. Under Local Bankruptcy Rule 6005-1(b), an application for employment of an\n\nauctioneer submitted to the Court must set forth, as applicable here:\n\n(1) the need of an auctioneer's services, (2) a description of property to be sold, its estimated value, and the location thereof, (3) how the auctioneer is to be paid, and if payment is to be made from assets of the estate, whether the estate will have adequate funds with which to pay the auctioneer's fee, (4) if the items to be auctioned constitute collateral, entirely or in part, whether or not the party claiming a security interest in such collateral has agreed to pay any or all of the auctioneer's expenses, (5) to the extent additional compensation or reimbursement of assistants is sought, how many assistants will be required to help the auctioneer and why such assistance is required, a statement by the trustee in support of the number required and the expense to be incurred for each assistant, based upon an hourly fee, and (6) a bond obtained for the purpose of the auction in an amount such as will exceed the estimated value of the property to be sold by at least twenty-five percent (25%), a copy of which shall be attached to the application to employ.\n\n77. Based on the facts and for the reasons stated herein and in the Knudsen\n\nDeclaration, the retention and employment of Hamilton as auctioneer for the Applicants on the terms set forth in this Application of (a) the Estate Vehicles for the Trustee, including the marketing and auction of the First Vehicle Group and (b) the Estate Furniture, including the marketing and auction of the First Furniture Group, is reasonable, necessary and appropriate, and satisfies the requirements of Sections 327 and 328 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 2014(a).\n\n#### **DISINTERESTEDNESS**\n\n78. To the best of the Trustee's and Genever US's knowledge, and except as set forth in the Knudsen Declaration, Hamilton (i) does not hold any interest adverse to the Individual Debtor's and Genever US's estate; (ii) has no connection with Genever US, the Individual Debtor, the Individual Debtor's immediate family, or any alter egos of the Individual Debtor, the Individual Debtor's creditors or any parties in interest, or their respective attorneys and\n\naccountants; (iii) has no connection to the United States Trustee or any person employed by the United States Trustee; and (iv) is a \"disinterested person\" as such term is defined in section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by Section 1107(b) of the Bankruptcy Code and as required by Section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n#### **NOTICE**\n\n79. Notice of this Application has been given to the United States Trustee, the Debtor, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, and to all parties that have appeared and requested notice in the above-captioned chapter 11 case by electronic filing utilizing the Court's electronic filing system or, to parties ineligible to receive electronic notice, by U.S. mail.\n\n#### **NO PRIOR REQUEST**\n\n80. No prior request for the relief sought in this Application has been made to this Court or any other court.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank.*]\n\nWHEREFORE, the Application move this Court for an order authorizing the employment and appointment of Hamilton as auctioneer to market and auction the Estate Vehicles and the Estate Furniture at public auctions, as set forth in this Application.\n\nDated: January 31, 2025 New Haven, Connecticut\n\n# LUC A. DESPINS, CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE, and GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC\n\nBy: /s/ *Douglas S. Skalka* Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C.\n\n195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n*and*\n\nNicholas A. Bassett (admitted pro hac vice) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n*and*\n\nG. Alexander Bongartz (admitted pro hac vice) Douglass Barron (admitted pro hac vice) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6000 alexbongartz@paulhastings.com douglassbarron@paulhastings.com\n\n*Counsel for Chapter 11 Trustee and Genever Holdings LLC*\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 4021 Filed 01/31/25 Entered 01/31/25 16:01:57 Page 24 of 43\n\n# **EXHIBIT A**\n\n**Proposed Order**\n\n# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n---------------------------------------------------------- x\n\nIn re:\n\nChapter 11\n\nHO WAN KWOK, *et al*., 1\n\nCase No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n\nDebtors.\n\n(Jointly Administered)\n\n----------------------------------------------------------- x\n\n# **[PROPOSED] ORDER GRANTING APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE AND GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC TO EMPLOY AND APPOINT THE HAMILTON GROUP, LLC AS AUCTIONEER**\n\nUPON CONSIDERATION OF the application (the \"Application\")<sup>2</sup> of Luc A. Despins\n\n(the \"Trustee\"), in his capacity as Chapter 11 Trustee for Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Individual\n\nDebtor\"), and Genever Holdings LLC (\"Genever US\") to employ and appoint The Hamilton\n\nGroup, LLC (\"Hamilton\") as auctioneer; pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 327 and 328 and Local Rule\n\nof Bankruptcy Procedure 6005-1 and as more fully set forth in the Application; and upon\n\nconsideration of the Declaration; and it appearing that said professional is qualified to provide\n\nsuch professional service and does not represent any interest adverse to the Estates; and good\n\ncause having been shown; and after a hearing having been held on \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_, it is by\n\nthe Court hereby:\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Application.\n\n**ORDERED**, that the Applicants are hereby authorized to employ The Hamilton Group, LLC (the \"Auctioneer\") pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 327 and 328 and Local Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 6005-1 as auctioneer to sell at auction the Estate Vehicles and the Estate Furniture, upon the terms and conditions as set forth in the Application; and it is further\n\n**ORDERED**, that, for the avoidance of doubt, the sale(s) of Estate Vehicles and Estate Furniture is subject to entry of separate order(s) of this Court authorizing such sale(s), upon separate motion by the Applicants and notice upon parties in interest.\n\n**ORDERED**, that the Auctioneer shall, after filing its application for compensation and request for reimbursement and after notice and a hearing, be awarded compensation plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses to be determined as set forth in the Local Rules and subject to review and final determination by the Court pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 and 331; and it is further\n\n**ORDERED**, that the Court shall retain jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or related to the interpretation or implementation of this Order.\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 4021 Filed 01/31/25 Entered 01/31/25 16:01:57 Page 27 of 43\n\n# **EXHIBIT B**\n\n**Declaration of Auctioneer**\n\n# **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTIUCT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVJSION**\n\n| ---------------·-----                     | ------x<br>BRIDGEPORT DIVJSION |  |  |\n|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|--|--|\n| In re:                                    | Chapter 11                     |  |  |\n| 1<br>HO WAN KWOK, el al.,                 | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)        |  |  |\n| Debtors.                                  | (Jointly Administered)         |  |  |\n| -----------------~----------------------x |                                |  |  |\n\n# **DECLARA TJON OF AUCTIONEER**\n\nI Michael J. Knudsen, being duly sworn, depose and say:\n\nI. I am a member of The Hamilton Group, LLC, and its business address is 36 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, Connecticut 06413.\n\n2. I am making this Declaration in connection with the Application to Appoint and Employ The Hamilton Group, LLC as Auctioneer which Gencver Holdings LLC (\"Genever US\") and Luc A. Dcspins, in his capacity as the chapter **11** trustee (the \"Trustee\") for the estate of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Individual Debtor,.,) arc filing in connection with the above-captioned case.\n\n3. The Hamilton Group, LLC has been engaged in the auctioning business for a considerable number of years, and I am an experienced auctioneer. Hamilton has been retained by Chapter 7 trustees in this district and has conducted over 20 auctions on behalf of bankruptcy estates in this district.\n\nThe Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are llo Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wcngui, 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 Gcnever I loldings Corporation. ·n1c mailing address for the Trustee, Gcnevcr Holdings LLC, and the Genevcr lloldings Corporation is Paul !lastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY IO 166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of I lo Wan K\\ ok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 4021 Filed 01/31/25 Entered 01/31/25 16:01:57 Page 29 of 43\n\n4. Except as disclosed herein, The Hamilton Group, LLC and its members (collectively \"Hamilton') have no connection with Genever US, the Individual Debtor, the Individual Debtor's immediate family or any alter egos of the Individual Debtor, the United States Trustee or any person employed by the Office of the United States Trustee, the Individual Debtor's creditors, Gcnever US's creditors, or any party in interest, or their respective attorneys or accountants, and we represent no interest adverse to the Trustee, the Individual Debtor's estate, Genever US, or Genever US's estate in connection with this matter. ln the paragraphs below, Hamilton sets forth its connections with attorneys and parties in interest in this case:\n\n- a) Hamilton has a professional relationship with the Law Offices of Ronald I. Chorches, LLC and more specifically with Ronald 1. Chorches, Esq., in his capacity as a Chapter 7 trustee, in connection with Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.\n- b) Hamilton has a professional relationship with Comerica Incorporated d/b/a Comerica Bank, Hamilton has prepared appraisals and conducted auctions for Comerica Incorporated d/b/a Comerica Bank.\n- c) Hamilton maintains business bank accounts with Citizens Bank.\n- d) Hamilton maintains a professional relationship with Bonnie C. Mangan, in her capacity as a bankruptcy trustee and in connection with her role as an attorney in several pending real estate transactions.\n- e) Han1ilton uses Apple phone and computer products for both professional and personal use.\n- f) Hamilton uses Amazon services and Amazon accounts for both professional and personal use.\n- g) Hamilton uses Facebook account, a meta business, for both professional and personal use.\n- 5. I understand and agree that Hamilton's compensation and reimbursement of\n\nexpenses for its services in this matter is subject to final approval by the Court in accordance with the requirements set forth in Local Rule of Bankrnptcy Procedure 6005-1 (d) after notice and hearing.\n\nDated at Chandler, Arizona on this 16th da) of January 2025.\n\nSub cribcd and w m to before me on this 16th da of January 2025.\n\nIt:\n\nNotary Public\n\n![](_page_29_Picture_7.jpeg)\n\n# **EXHIBIT C**\n\n# **Auction Proposal of the Furnishing and Personal Property in Storage**\n\n**From**\n\n**-The Sherry Netherland Apartment, NY & Greenwich, CT Home Assets**\n\n**-Office Furniture & Electronics**\n\nHo Wan Kwok, et al., Bankruptcy Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n\nFor:\n\nLuc A. Despins, as Chapter 11 Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok, and Genever Holdings, LLC (c/o Luc A. Despins, as Chapter 11 Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok) Paul Hastings, LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, NY 10166\n\n> PRESENTED BY: Michael J. Knudsen Robert H Glass The Hamilton Group 36 Killingworth Turnpike (Route 81) Clinton, CT 06413\n\n## **Presented to:**\n\n| Luc A. Despins, as Chapter 11 Trustee |  |\n|---------------------------------------|--|\n| Paul Hastings LLP                     |  |\n| 200 Park Avenue                       |  |\n| New York, NY 10166                    |  |\n\n**Date**: January 12th, 2025\n\n**Presented by**: Michael Knudsen & Robert Glass\n\n![](_page_32_Picture_5.jpeg)\n\n**36 Killingworth Turnpike (Route 81) Clinton, CT 06413 Telephone: 203-433-8052 Fax: 203-643-2285 [Mike@hamilton-grp.com](mailto:Mike@hamilton-grp.com)**\n\n**[www.hamilton-grp.com](htt)**\n\n# INTRODUCTION\n\nWe feel that The Hamilton Group is a most innovative company driven to serve its clients by handling and controlling the complete asset conversion process while maximizing a timely financial return by way of an online only public auction. A \"well run\" auction is the fairest way to achieve the highest and best price for all assets.\n\nThe assets include the furnishings and personal property from the apartment at the Sherry Netherland building in NY and the Greenwich Connecticut home as well as the office furniture & equipment.\n\nThe following asset conversion proposal directly addresses all of the objectives and concerns as we have discussed. We are prepared to work closely with you to have a successful sale.\n\nBased upon the assets and several considerations we suggest conducting an online public auctions based out of the rental warehouse that the moving and storage facility has procured. We feel this will give you the maximum exposure of the assets and allow more participation from bidders locally and those around the tri-state area.\n\nWe propose conducting three to four separate online public auctions of the assets including furnishings, personal property and office equipment from the rental warehouse in New Jersey. The final number of auctions will depend on the amount of assets and logistics at the warehouse. Items would be consolidated in the New Jersey warehouse in order to unwrap the moving protective coverings and padding, photograph them and write up a detailed catalog for the sale. Once we begin cataloging a group of assets the auction date would be approximately 2-3 weeks following. We expect that there would be a gap of about two weeks between each sale. Checkout for each auction would start approximately 48 hours after the closing of the sale and run for two to three days with set times for buyers to pickup their winning bids\n\n# MARKETING\n\n# **Custom Asset Recovery Program**\n\nWe feel that conducting an online only public auction will maximize the value of the furnishings, personal property and office equipment as well as vehicle and motorcycles that you need to sell. The auctions with be conducted as a timed online sale via Auction Ninja for the home furnishings and office furniture and equipment.\n\nPrior to beginning our marketing campaign we will write a full inventory with detailed specifications plus photographs of the assets. Our marketing staff will use these specifications to prepare the auction flyer, website promotion information, advertisements, and emails, in addition they will be contacting buyers letting them know about the sale and the nature of the items to be sold.\n\nAdvertisement geared to the interior decorators, antique collectors, homeowners, and dealers plus other potential end users would be placed on Facebook, Auctionzip.com, Craigslist as well as other online auction calendars. A postcard would be produced and sent out to a select mail list. In addition, an email blasts to a list of approximately 15,000 people will be sent out.\n\nAuctions:\n\n- •Creates urgency to buy and encourages competition among buyers.\n- •Auction prices typically exceed the price of a negotiated sale.\n- •Requires potential buyers to register with a credit card to verify identity.\n- •Ensures an aggressive marketing program that increases interest and visibility.\n- •Our marketing team will use market-direct mail, email and online ads.\n- •Assets are sold \"as is, where is\".\n\n# AUCTION INFORMATION\n\nOur plan is based on the agreement that the moving and storage company has procured additional warehouse space that will allow items currently stored on racks to be spread out. The facility will also move all the assets to be sold to this facility and will be directly billing the estate for the moving, trucking, and warehouse fees.\n\nIt is also assumed that the new warehouse space will have sufficient space to consolidate the assets with room to layout auction lots in such a way that items can easily be unwrapped, photographed and setup to expedite checkout for winning bidders.\n\nOur plan is to line up the personal property from the New York apartment and Greenwich house in the first two sales. The third and fourth sales would be of the office furniture and electronics and supplies. Each sale will require unwrapping items, as they have been professionally wrapped, some items will require being re-assembled, which are labor intensive. Photographs and catalogs for each sale will then be built. Our goal is to have an auction catalog online for a minimum of 14 days where people can preview lots, ask questions and bid. Most bidding however usually happen on the final day of the auction.\n\nThe Auction Ninja platform features an extended bidding (a.k.a. \"soft closing\"). The bidding platform system will automatically extend the closing time of a lot (auction item) whenever a bid is placed within the last five minutes of its scheduled closing. This may occur multiple times on any given lot depending on the bidder interest. Once all interest and bidding in a lot ceases the clock will run out and the lot will close.\n\nThis is the fairest way to prevent \"bid sniping\" (someone submitting a high bid in the last seconds of any given lot's closing in order to win said lot) and to give all bidders an opportunity to increase their bids if they wish. It is also the closest way to mimic a live, in-person auction, when the auctioneer gives bidders opportunities to increase their bids if someone jumps into the bidding at the last moment before hammering the winning bid.\n\nOur auctions have a nominal starting bid is used to attract more bidders by creating a sense of potential value and excitement, encouraging more people to participate in the auction, which can ultimately lead to a higher final selling price as bidders compete to win the item; essentially, it lowers the barrier to entry for potential buyers, making them more likely to place a bid.\n\nItems are generally listed with nominal starting bids to attract the most bidders to sign up to participate. All items are generally sold with no reserve except that with respect to certain unique pieces of art or furniture, the Trustee may set a reserve price as he deems appropriate. The reserve price may be disclosed to bidders or set as the starting bid for those lots.\n\n# COMMISION & EXPENSES TERMS\n\n# Commission Program\n\nA commission auction addresses the need to sell assets in a short timeframe. The advantages of this plan include intense and expansive exposure of the assets in the targeted markets to expand buyer interest and minimize auction expenses.\n\nThe Hamilton Group would retain a commission of 15% from the seller. The Hamilton Group would retain the 15% buyer's premium.\n\nAn estimated budget for the project is detailed below.\n\n# **Estimated Expenses**\n\nLabor for Auction Prep / Setup & Photographing, \\$45 Per Hour Per Person (2) People @ 10 Hours Per Day (Est. 100 Hours x \\$45) = \\$4,500.00\n\nBased on 3 Auction From The Warehouse w/ 2 Days Of Checkout Per Auction (3) People 6 Days @ 8 Hours Per Day (144 Hours x \\$45) = \\$6,480.00\n\n| Facebook Targeted Marketing:           | \\$2,000.00     |\n|----------------------------------------|----------------|\n| Auction Zip<br>Ads                     | \\$350.00       |\n| General Advertising                    | \\$1,500.<br>00 |\n| Auction Ninja<br>2.35% Final Value Fee | TBD            |\n| Bond<br>For \\$150,000.00               | \\$1,200.00     |\n\n# ACCOUNTING FOR SALE PROCEEDS& EXPENSES\n\nWith a sale such as this where there are numerous assets from different entities, locations or groupings within the estate that need to be accounted for.\n\nIn order to do this our auction system creates a consignor number for each group. For instance, the assets from the Sherry Netherland would be assigned a separate consignor number. We would then be able to track the sale of these assets sperate from any other group or piece in the sales.\n\nWe would also try and keep the various auctions group with only items for the bucket or entity that they belong to without mixing assets.\n\nAll funds collected will be deposited in our auction escrow account held at either Citizens Bank, NA or Wells Fargo.\n\nFunds from each auction less the buyer's premium will be turned over to the trustee within 15 days of the closing of the auction with a detailed sales report. Expenses & receipts will be submitted to the trustee within 30 days of the closing of each sale if not sooner.\n\nAt any time during the process, we can provide the trustee with an accounting of expenses and proceeds with a twenty four hour notice.\n\n# HISTORY & APPROACH\n\n#### **Corporate Structure**\n\nThe Hamilton Group is an Appraisal, Auction & Liquidation team of professionals. The Hamilton Group's team and affiliates combine world-class talent and decades of auction and valuation experience. We offer our clients a wide industrial coverage through our expertise, coordination skills, and the use of cutting edge technology. Our management team has more than 75 years of industry experience. We offer fully integrated services to assure success for our clients' projects.\n\n#### **Our Approach**\n\nSince every project or situation is different and presents its own set of unique challenges, we are always ready to evaluate the specifics of a project and provide our clients with several turnkey solutions that are tailored to fit their individual requirements. We approach each assignment whether conducting an appraisal or a disposal of capital equipment with the goal of doing the best job possible for our clients. We adhere to the highest standards of our industry, pride ourselves on our integrity, hard work, and personal commitment to a successful project.\n\n#### **Company History**\n\nThe Hamilton Group is an asset recovery firm combining over 75 years of experience buying, selling and appraising estates, industrial machinery and equipment as well as real estate. The Hamilton Group provides the highest degree of professionalism, integrity, experience, and knowledge. Our team and members have conducted 100's of estate sales of quality antiques, personal property and machinery & equipment throughout the country.\n\nThe Hamilton Group and our management team have conducted hundreds of auctions that include Antiques, Fine Furnishings, Art Work, Primitives, Folk Art and Industrial assets. We conducted what we believe to be the largest sale of antiques and collectibles in a bankruptcy case over the last decade for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee Kara Recia. The sale which encompassed over 3 auctions over several years included fine art, folk art pieces, early American antiques, collection of weathervanes, collectibles and vintage items. These auctions attracted nationwide and international bidding. We regularly conduct sales of estates, household items, art, antiques and business assets for trustees, lending institutions, and families. Recently we conducted several online auctions across multiple platforms for the Estate of Donald Brown a renowned clock and antique collector.\n\nIn 1973 at the age of 12, Mr. Robert Glass who would be the auction manager for this sale process attended The World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa following in his father's footsteps. He graduated with a Bachelor in Science and business administration from Indiana State University and has completed the National Auctioneers Association's program for Certified Auctioneers Institute program. In nearly 40 years, Mr. Glass worked over 1,000 auctions. He has been actively engaged in the world of auctions and appraisals of art, antiques and collectibles for over 36 years. Mr. Glass has made his living as a self-employed auctioneer and appraiser; he has worked for himself but also hired by other firms; he has worked all over the world including The United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Likewise, appraising and selling contents of residential estates including household furnishings, antiques, collectibles, silverware, fine art, automobiles, commercial and construction equipment. Plus, Mr. Glass has held real estate licenses in six states for the purpose of auctioning real estate.\n\nAdditionally, Mr. Glass has been preparing appraisals for probate court and for inheritance tax purposes for attorneys, administrators, executors, and trust departments of various banks in New England. He has worked with numerous attorneys, bankers, and trustees who request his knowledge within the world of appraising and selling assets for decades.\n\nSince the inception of The Hamilton Group in 2002, Mr. Glass has been an integral part of strengthening the quality of work produced within all appraisals, auctions and liquidation projects.\n\n![](_page_39_Picture_4.jpeg)\n\n![](_page_40_Picture_1.jpeg)\n\n![](_page_41_Picture_1.jpeg)\n\n![](_page_41_Picture_3.jpeg)\n\n![](_page_41_Picture_5.jpeg)\n\n![](_page_42_Picture_1.jpeg)","body_zh":"美国康涅狄格联邦破产法院\n布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n关于：\n\n第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人，1\n\n案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。\n\n（合并管理）\n\nx\n\n第11章受托人与 GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC 申请聘用并任命 THE HAMILTON GROUP, LLC 为拍卖师\n\nLuc A. Despins 以 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“个人债务人”）第11章受托人（“受托人”）的身份，以及 Genever Holdings LLC（“Genever US”，并与受托人合称“申请人”），特此提交本申请（“本申请”），请求作出一项裁定，其形式实质上与随附本申请的附件A（“拟议裁定”）一致，根据 11 U.S.C. §§ 327 and 328 聘用并任命 The Hamilton Group, LLC（“Hamilton”）担任个人债务人和 Genever US 的破产财产（“破产财产”）的拍卖师，以营销和拍卖某些机动车辆及其他动产（包括家具）。为支持本申请，申请人提交 Hamilton 成员 Michael J. Knudsen（“Knudsen 声明人”）的声明（“Knudsen 声明”），其副本随附为附件B，并通过援引纳入本文，并分别陈述如下：\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他化名）（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 和 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为 Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，收件人：Luc A. Despins，作为 Ho Wan Kwok 破产财产的受托人（仅为通知和通信之目的）。\n\n初步陈述2\n\n1. 在受托人调查个人债务人财务事务的过程中，受托人已确定某些属于个人债务人破产财产和 Genever US 破产财产的动产，该等动产应予变现，以使各自破产财产的债权人受益。就个人债务人破产财产而言，该等财产包括：\n\na. 四辆摩托车（“Four Motorcycles”），即：\n\ni. 一辆 2021 Harley Davidson 摩托车，VIN 号码为 1HD1TBH1XMB957197，\n\nii. 一辆 2021 Harley Davidson 摩托车，VIN 号码为 1HD1TEH1XMB956441，\n\niii. 一辆 2021 Harley Davidson 摩托车，VIN 号码为 1HD1FBC10MB661233，及\n\niv. 一辆 2022 BMW 摩托车，VIN 号码为 WB10L4303N6F02046；\n\nb. 一辆 2021 Ducati Diavel 摩托车，VIN 号码为 ZDMGAHRW5MB005016（“Ducati”）；\n\nc. 一辆 2017 Lexus NX 200T（“Lexus”，并与 Four Motorcycles 和 Ducati 合称“First Vehicle Group”）；\n\nd. 此前位于 Westy Storage（“Westy Storage 仓储设施”）的两个储物单元内的某些家具及其他动产（“Golden Spring Property”）；3\n\n2 初步陈述中未定义的大写术语，应具有本申请后文赋予其的含义。\n\n3 为免生疑，本申请中使用 Golden Spring Property、HCHK Property、Greenwich Land 和 Genever US Property 等定义术语，仅为描述家具和财产物品之目的。受托人绝不暗示或承认 Golden Spring、HCHK Entities、Greenwich Land 或 Genever US 拥有任何该等家具和动产。为明确起见，所有 Golden Spring Property、HCHK Property 和 Greenwich Land Property 均为个人债务人的财产，属于第11章破产财产。此外，如法院或许还记得，受托人已确定，个人债务人曾将某些物品从与个人债务人的一个另我实体有关联的一处地点，移至与个人债务人的另一另我实体有关联的另一处地点。\n\ne. 此前位于 HCHK Office（“HCHK 办公室”）的某些家具和动产（“HCHK Property”）；4 及\n\nf. 此前位于 Taconic Property（“Taconic 房产”）的某些家具和动产（“Greenwich Land Property”）。5\n\n2. 此外，Genever US 的主要资产包括 Sherry Netherland Apartment（“Sherry Netherland 公寓”）及此前位于该公寓的某些家具。如法院或许还记得，为在 Sherry Netherland Apartment 进行修复工作，此前位于 Sherry Netherland Apartment 的全部家具和动产（“Genever US Property”，并与 Golden Spring Property、Greenwich Land Property 和 HCHK Property 合称“First Furniture Group”）也已被移入仓储。6 First Furniture Group 目前存放于新泽西州的仓储设施（“New Jersey Storage Facility”），其中 Golden Spring Property、HCHK Property、Greenwich Land Property 和 Genever US Property 分别存放并彼此隔离。7\n\n3. 根据申请人为破产财产债权人实现价值最大化的法定义务，申请人通过本申请寻求聘用并任命 Hamilton 担任拍卖师，以营销和拍卖：(a) First Vehicle Group；(b) 申请人未来可能确定并追回的额外车辆（“Additional Vehicles”，并\n\n4 本文所定义的 HCHK Property 不包括一架 Bösendorfer 185VC Porsche #49539 钢琴，该钢琴涉及美国政府在个人债务人目前在 United States District Court for the Southern District of New York（美国纽约南区联邦地区法院）待决刑事案件中提出的没收主张。\n\n5 受托人获悉，Greenwich Land Property 可能包含最初从债务人位于新泽西州 Mahwah 的豪宅（“Mahwah Mansion”）搬出的家具物品。受托人目前正在调查和识别该等家具物品。视其认定而定，最初从 Mahwah Mansion 搬出的家具物品将从 Greenwich Land Property 中移出，以用于 Furniture Auction。\n\n6 Genever US Property 包括 Genever US 最初因购买 Sherry Netherland Apartment 而取得的家具，以及债务人其后取得的额外家具。受托人和 Genever US 保留就 Genever US Property 收益在其各自破产财产之间分配的一切权利。\n\n7 鉴于此处涉及两个独立破产财产的财产，Genever US Property 的收益将与其他待售财产的收益分开保管。\n\n与 First Vehicle Group 合称“Estate Vehicles”）；(c) First Furniture Group；及 (d) 申请人未来可能确定并追回的额外家具和/或动产（“Additional Furniture”，并与 First Furniture Group 合称“Estate Furniture”）。为免生疑，申请人并非通过本申请寻求出售 Estate Vehicles 或 Estate Furniture 的授权。该等救济将通过单独的动议请求（如下文进一步详述）。\n\n4. Hamilton 非常适合在此开展销售和拍卖程序。Hamilton 聘用了一组专业拍卖师、认证评估师和营销人员，其合计经验长达 150 年。Hamilton 在康涅狄格州 Clinton 设有办公室，在动产的评估、营销和拍卖方面拥有丰富经验，包括但不限于机动车辆、家具物品、动产以及高端家具和古董物品。此外，Hamilton 属于 11 U.S.C. § 101(14) 所定义的无利害关系人士。\n\n5. Hamilton 就 Estate Vehicles 的拍卖（“Vehicle Auction”）将提供的服务包括：(a) 编制关于所有待拍卖 Estate Vehicles 的书面估值报告；(b) 将 Estate Vehicles 运送至 Hamilton 位于康涅狄格州 Clinton 的安全且已投保仓库；(c) 为互联网拍卖检查、清洁、展示、准备并拍摄 Estate Vehicles；(d) 营销 Vehicle Auction；及 (e) 协调、监督和开展 Estate Vehicles 的互联网拍卖。\n\n6. Hamilton 就 Estate Furniture 的拍卖（“Furniture Auction”）将提供的服务包括：(a) 为互联网拍卖检查、清洁、准备、拍摄并编目 Estate Furniture；(b) 营销 Furniture Auction；及 (c) 协调、监督和开展 Estate Furniture 的互联网拍卖\n\n（包括拍卖后的结账程序）。Hamilton 就 First Furniture Group 拍卖所作提案的副本随附为附件C。\n\n7. 申请人主张，批准聘用 Hamilton 担任 Estate Vehicles 和 Estate Furniture 营销及拍卖的拍卖师，符合个人债务人破产财产和 Genever US 破产财产的最佳利益，因此，法院应批准按本文所载条款聘任 Hamilton。\n\n管辖权、审判地及法定依据\n\n8. United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格联邦破产法院）（“法院”）根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 以及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格联邦地区法院）作出的移送常设命令，对本事项具有管辖权。\n\n9. 本事项根据 28 U.S.C. § 157(b) 属于核心程序。\n\n10. 根据 28 U.S. C. §§ 1408 and 1409，本程序及本申请的审判地在本辖区内适当。\n\n11. 本申请所请求的救济依据 United States Code（美国法典）第11编第 327 条和第 328 条（“Bankruptcy Code”）、Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 2014，以及 Local Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 2014-1。\n\n背景\n\nI. 第11章案件\n\n12. 于 October 12, 2020，Genever US 向 United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York（“SDNY Bankruptcy Court”）提交了根据 United States Code 第11编第11章请求救济的自愿申请，从而启动案号为 20-12411 (JLG) 的案件（“SDNY Bankruptcy Case”）。\n\n13. 于 February 15, 2022（“Petition Date”），个人债务人向法院提交了根据 Bankruptcy Code 第11章请求救济的自愿申请。\n\n14. 于 March 21, 2022，United States Trustee（“美国受托人”）在个人债务人的第11章案件中任命了无担保债权人正式委员会（“Committee”）。\n\n15. 于 June 15, 2022，法院作出一份决定备忘录和命令 [主案案卷编号 465]（“Trustee Order”），指示美国受托人在个人债务人的第11章案件中任命一名第11章受托人。根据 Trustee Order，美国受托人选定 Luc A. Despins 担任第11章受托人 [主案案卷编号 514]。\n\n16. 于 July 8, 2022，法院作出命令，批准任命 Luc A. Despins 担任个人债务人第11章案件中的第11章受托人 [主案案卷编号 523]。\n\n17. 于 August 10, 2022，法院作出命令 [主案案卷编号 717]，认定受托人持有个人债务人就 Genever BVI 所拥有的全部经济权利和治理权利，而 Genever BVI 进而全资拥有 Genever US。\n\n18. 于 September 30, 2022，受托人和 Genever US 共同提交动议 [案号 22-50592 中的案卷编号 211]，请求 SDNY Bankruptcy Court 作出命令，将 SDNY Bankruptcy Case 移送至本法院。于 November 3, 2022，SDNY Bankruptcy Court 作出命令 [案号 22-50592 中的案卷编号 225]，准许该动议，SDNY Bankruptcy Case 被移送至本法院。\n\n19. 2022年10月11日，Genever Holdings Corporation（Genever控股公司）（“Genever BVI”，并与Genever US合称“Genever债务人”）向本院提交了其自愿的第11章破产申请。\n\n20. 2022年11月3日，SDNY Bankruptcy Court（纽约南区破产法院）作出命令[Docket No. 225 in Case No. 22-50592]，将SDNY Bankruptcy Case（纽约南区破产案件）的审理地点移送至本院；本院为该案指定案号22-50592。\n\n21. 根据日期为2022年11月21日的命令[Main Case Docket No. 1141]，本院批准对Genever US、Genever BVI及个别债务人的第11章案件进行联合管理。\n\nII. 雪莉荷兰公寓和Genever US财产\n\n22. Genever US的主要资产包括位于781 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10022的Sherry Netherland Hotel（雪莉荷兰酒店）内的第18层公寓及附属单元（统称“Sherry Netherland Apartment（雪莉荷兰公寓）”），以及先前位于该公寓内的某些家具。Genever US于2015年购买Sherry Netherland Apartment时，该公寓为一处配备齐全家具的住宅。此后，债务人向Sherry Netherland Apartment增添了额外家具及其他个人财产。\n\n23. 在SDNY Bankruptcy Case期间，Bravo Luck Limited（好运有限公司）（“Bravo Luck”）——一家据称由个别债务人之子拥有的实体——依据由个别债务人及其子签署的一份据称信托协议，主张对Sherry Netherland Apartment享有受益所有权。在SDNY Bankruptcy Case移送至本院后不久，受托人对Bravo Luck提起对抗程序[Adv. Proc. No. 22-05027]，其中主张，据称的信托协议系伪造，且个别债务人（现为破产财产）才是该公寓的真正受益所有人。\n\n24. 2023年8月30日，破产法院作出命令[Adv. Proc. No. 22- 05027, Docket No. 118]，批准受托人、Genever US、Genever BVI、Bravo Luck及个别债务人之子之间达成的和解协议；根据该协议，Bravo Luck及个别债务人之子同意，其中包括：(a) Genever US为Sherry Netherland Apartment的完全且排他性所有人，不受任何留置权及其他权利负担的约束，且Sherry Netherland Apartment构成《破产法典》第541条项下Genever US破产财产的财产；以及(b) Bravo Luck及个别债务人之子将永不就Sherry Netherland Apartment或Genever债务人，或受托人主张属于个别债务人或Genever债务人破产财产的任何其他与前述事项有关的资产，主张任何权利或请求权。\n\n25. 如本院所知，2023年3月15日，Sherry Netherland Apartment发生火灾，致使公寓的某些部分遭受重大损害。火灾后，Genever US着手修复火灾损害并清洁Sherry Netherland Apartment，以便为出售该公寓作准备。2024年5月1日及5月2日前后，Genever US还安排对Genever US财产进行清洁、包装并搬运至New Jersey Storage Facility（新泽西仓储设施）。\n\nIII. 受托人的调查及相关对抗程序\n\n26. 自获任以来，受托人为识别、追回及变现资产以惠及破产财产，已勤勉地对个别债务人复杂的财务历史进行了广泛调查。该调查包括全球范围的证据开示、数十次证言录取，以及对数十万份财务及其他文件的审阅。由于该调查，受托人已提起数百宗对抗程序（包括本文定义的Golden Spring Adversary Proceeding、HCHK Adversary Proceeding、Greenwich Land Adversary Proceeding及Cao Adversary Proceeding），并为个别债务人的破产财产追回了具有重大价值的资产。\n\n27. 受托人已追回的资产包括由个别债务人、其家人及亲密关联人使用的机动车辆，以及个别债务人的家具物品和其他个人财产。\n\n28. 随着受托人获得更多信息，受托人还预计，正在进行的调查可能导致追回额外的机动车辆及家具物品。因此，受托人请求聘任Hamilton（汉密尔顿）在本案进行期间，就陆续追回的额外车辆及额外家具进行拍卖出售，首次拍卖涵盖第一组车辆及第一组家具。\n\nA. Golden Spring对抗程序\n\n29. 2023年7月25日，受托人通过对Golden Spring (New York) Ltd.（金泉〔纽约〕有限公司）（“Golden Spring”）及China Golden Spring Group (Hong Kong) Limited（中国金泉集团〔香港〕有限公司）提交起诉状[Adv. Proc. No. 23-05018, Docket No. 1]，提起对抗程序（“Golden Spring Adversary Proceeding”），其中请求，包括作出命令，宣告Golden Spring系个别债务人的另一个自我，且Golden Spring及/或其资产由个别债务人衡平拥有。\n\n30. 2023年12月4日，本院作出其《准许Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）破产财产第11章受托人提出的针对Golden Spring (New York) Ltd及China Golden Spring Group (Hong Kong) Limited作出缺席判决的动议的命令》[Adv. Proc. No. 23-05018, Docket No. 35]（“Golden Spring Order”），其中认定，包括，Golden Spring在任何时候均为个别债务人的另一个自我，且Golden Spring持有的任何及全部资产均为各破产财产的财产。\n\n31. 2024年2月23日，受托人提交其《请求执行判决并要求将仓储单元内容物移交第11章破产财产的命令的动议》[Adv. Proc. No. 23- 05018, Docket No. 40]（“Motion to Enforce”）。如受托人的Motion to Enforce中详细论述，受托人通过调查获悉，在新泽西州、靠近个别债务人位于Mahwah, New Jersey的宅邸处，存在四个租赁的仓储单元。受托人团队对该等仓储单元进行了首次检查及后续四次访问，以检查并清点其中存放的各类物品。受托人从该等访问中获悉，仓储单元内相当数量的物品显示其直接属于Golden Spring及/或个别债务人。\n\n32. 2024年3月26日，本院作出命令，准许受托人的Motion to Enforce [Adv. Proc. No. 23-05018, Docket No. 46]；据此，本院认定四个仓储单元中两个仓储单元内的物品（构成本申请中定义的Golden Spring财产）属于各破产财产的财产，并命令将Golden Spring财产移交受托人。\n\n33. 2024年4月5日前后，受托人安排将Golden Spring财产从Westy Storage（韦斯蒂仓储）的仓储单元搬运至New Jersey Storage Facility。\n\nB. HCHK对抗程序\n\n34. 2023年6月8日，受托人通过提交起诉状[Adv Proc. No. 23-05013, Docket No.1]，提起对抗程序（“HCHK Adversary Proceeding”），其中请求，包括作出命令，宣告HCHK Entities8为个别债务人的另一个自我及/或由其衡平拥有。\n\n8 HCHK Entities指HCHK Technologies, Inc.（HCHK科技公司）、HCHK Property Management, Inc.（HCHK物业管理公司）及Lexington Property and Staffing Inc.（列克星敦物业与人力服务公司）。\n\n35. 2023年7月28日，本院作出《根据破产规则9019批准第11章受托人与纽约法院转让程序下HCHK Entities受让人之间和解的命令》[Adv. Proc. No. 23-05013, Docket No. 70]（“HCHK Settlement Order”）；据此，Brian Hofmeister（布赖恩·霍夫迈斯特）以HCHK Entities受让人的身份获授权，其中包括，在事先获得受托人批准的前提下，对HCHK Entities位于3 Columbus Circle, New York, New York的租赁场所（“HCHK Office”）及其中的HCHK Entities资产采取保全措施，并安排存储HCHK Office内的资产。如受托人于2024年4月18日提交的费用报告[Adv. Proc. No. 23-05013, Docket No. 284]所示，2024年3月20日前后，受托人支付了与搬运及存储HCHK财产有关的费用；该等财产目前分别存储于New Jersey Storage Facility。\n\n36. 2024年3月8日，受托人提交了缺席判决动议[Adv. Proc. No, 23-05013, Docket No. 268]，该动议已完成书面陈述，并于2024年4月23日由本院审理。\n\n37. 2024年6月14日，本院作出《准许缺席判决动议的决定备忘录及命令》[Adv. Proc. No. 23-05013, Docket No. 290]，并于2024年6月24日作出其《修正缺席判决及永久禁令》[Adv. Proc. No. 23- 05013, Docket No. 297]（“HCHK Order”）；据此，本院认定，其中包括，HCHK Entities在任何时候均为债务人的另一个自我，且HCHK Entities的任何及全部资产均为各破产财产的财产。\n\nC. Greenwich Land对抗程序\n\n38. 2023年3月27日，受托人通过提交起诉状[Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 1]，对Greenwich Land, LLC（格林尼治土地有限责任公司）（“Greenwich Land”）及Hing Chi Ngok（伍庆娥）（“Ms. Ngok”，并与Greenwich Land合称“Greenwich Defendants”）提起对抗程序（“Greenwich Land Adversary Proceeding”），其中请求，包括作出确认判决：(i) Greenwich Land系债务人的另一个自我，并命令将其资产，包括位于373 Taconic Road, Greenwich, Connecticut的不动产及个人财产（“Taconic Property”），移交受托人；以及(ii)裁定Greenwich Land中的成员权益属于破产财产的财产，并命令将该成员权益交付受托人。\n\n39. 2024年7月2日，基于记录中所述理由及本院《准许简易判决动议的决定备忘录及命令》[Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 133]中进一步阐述的理由，本院作出有利于受托人的简易判决[Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 134]（“Greenwich Land Order”），其中认定，包括，Greenwich Land的全部财产，包括Taconic Property，均为应由受托人管理的破产财产的财产，并命令将Taconic Property移交受托人。\n\n40. 2024年7月10日，Greenwich Defendants就Greenwich Land Order提交上诉通知（“Appeal”）[Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 138]。2024年7月12日，Greenwich Defendants在Greenwich Land Adversary Proceeding中提交上诉审理期间中止执行动议[Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 139]（“Stay Motion”）。\n\n41. 2024年8月16日，本院作出其《解决上诉审理期间中止执行动议及执行简易判决的同意命令》[Adv. Proc. No. 23-5005, Docket No. 166]（“Consent Order”）；据此，于2024年8月20日，(a) 受托人为破产财产的利益接管Taconic Property及其内容物；及(b) 被告有偏见地撤回Stay Motion。根据Consent Order移交受托人的位于Taconic Property的个人财产物品包括Lexus（雷克萨斯）及Greenwich Land财产。\n\n42. 截至2024年8月20日，受托人以债务人第11章受托人的身份，成为Lexus的登记所有人，并开始办理Lexus的产权转让手续。2025年1月，Lexus向受托人转让产权的程序完成。\n\n43. 此外，于 2024 年 10 月前后，受托人安排将 Greenwich Land Property（格林威治土地房产）打包并从 Taconic Property（塔科尼克房产）搬运至 New Jersey Storage Facility（新泽西存储设施），Genever US Property（Genever US 财产）、HCHK Property（HCHK 财产）及 Golden Spring Property（Golden Spring 财产）目前均在该处分别存放。\n\nD. Cao Adversary Proceeding（曹对抗程序）\n\n44. 2024 年 2 月 6 日，受托人通过提交起诉状 [Adv Proc. No. 24-05001, Docket No.1]，对 Defeng Cao（曹德峰）——债务人之女 Mei Guo（郭梅）的长期男友——提起对抗程序（以下简称“Cao Adversary Proceeding（曹对抗程序）”），请求法院作出命令，其中包括：(i) 宣告债务人为名义上登记在曹先生名下的四辆摩托车的衡平所有人；(ii) 宣告该四辆摩托车属于债务人第 11 章破产财产，应由受托人管理；以及 (iii) 命令曹先生将该四辆摩托车交付给受托人。\n\n45. 2024 年 4 月 12 日，受托人就 Cao Adversary Proceeding（曹对抗程序）中关于该四辆摩托车的请求提交了依诉状判决动议 [Adv. Proc. No, 24-05001, Docket No. 19]；该动议已完成书面陈述，并于 2024 年 5 月 24 日在法院进行了口头辩论。\n\n46. 2024 年 9 月 9 日，法院准予受托人的动议 [Adv. Proc. No. 24-05001, Docket No. 33]，认定债务人为该四辆摩托车的受益所有人，并命令交付该四辆摩托车及将其所有权证书转移给受托人（以下简称“Motorcycle Order（摩托车命令）”）。摩托车命令作出后不久，受托人取得了该四辆摩托车的占有，并开始办理摩托车所有权证书的转移手续。\n\n47. 于 2025 年 1 月，该四辆摩托车向受托人转移所有权证书的程序已完成。\n\nE. Ducati Motorcycle（杜卡迪摩托车）\n\n48. 受托人于 2024 年 5 月 10 日提出动议，并经当时登记为 Ducati（杜卡迪）所有人的 Scott Barnett（斯科特·巴内特）同意后提交该动议 [Main Case Docket No. 3177]，请求作出同意命令，宣告杜卡迪属于破产财产，并将杜卡迪的所有权由斯科特·巴内特转移至个人债务人的第 11 章破产财产。\n\n49. 2024 年 5 月 28 日，法院作出《关于将 Ducati Motorcycle（杜卡迪摩托车）所有权转移至破产财产的同意命令》[Main Docket No. 3220]（以下简称“Ducati Order（杜卡迪命令）”），认定杜卡迪完全属于债务人的破产财产，应由受托人管理，并命令将杜卡迪交付给受托人，不附带任何留置权、请求权、权益及负担。杜卡迪命令作出后不久，受托人取得了杜卡迪的占有，并开始办理杜卡迪所有权证书的转移手续。\n\n50. 于 2024 年 10 月，杜卡迪向受托人转移所有权证书的程序已完成。\n\n拟提供的服务\n\nI. 车辆拍卖\n\n51. 受托人拟通过拍卖出售其追回的破产财产车辆，以使个人债务人的破产财产受益；受托人在与 Hamilton（汉密尔顿）协商后确定，拍卖应通过 bidspotter.com（Bidspotter）维护的机制进行互联网拍卖，Bidspotter 是一家领先的在线拍卖机制公司。\n\n52. 受托人请求指定汉密尔顿担任拍卖师，按照本文所述条款和条件接管、营销及拍卖破产财产车辆。汉密尔顿在现场及互联网上进行拍卖方面具有丰富经验，并已受聘为本地区其他破产财产中的第 7 章受托人提供拍卖服务。Knudsen Declaration（克努森声明）载明了汉密尔顿的资格及无利害关系情况。\n\n53. 预计汉密尔顿将为破产财产提供的服务包括：\n\na. 对拟出售的破产财产车辆进行比较市场估值；\n\nb. 向受托人提供关于破产财产车辆估值的详细报告；\n\nc. 将破产财产车辆移送并妥善保管至汉密尔顿位于 Connecticut（康涅狄格州）Clinton（克林顿）的有安保和保险保障的仓库，破产财产车辆将在该处接受检查、清洁、存放、展示及拍摄，以供互联网拍卖；以及\n\nd. 为破产财产安排、监督、营销并完成破产财产车辆的互联网拍卖。\n\n汉密尔顿还将就各辆破产财产车辆的营销和出售与受托人协商。受托人还保留其认为适当时就破产财产车辆设定保留价的权利。\n\n54. 据悉，第一组车辆的所有权证书上不存在留置权或其他负担。\n\n55. 汉密尔顿已购买符合 Local Bankruptcy Rule 6005-1 要求金额的保证金。受托人将在其即将提交的出售第一组车辆动议中附上汉密尔顿为此取得的保证金副本，保证金原件将提交给 United States Trustee（美国受托人）办公室。\n\n56. 受托人请求，在取得批准聘用汉密尔顿的命令以及批准出售该第一组车辆的命令后，尽快由汉密尔顿进行第一组车辆的拍卖出售。受托人将在其即将提交的授权出售第一组车辆动议中提交完整的 Appendix O（附录 O）表格，其中载明拍卖日期及详细情况。\n\n57. 如本法院批准聘用汉密尔顿，且受托人随后追回其拟通过汉密尔顿出售的额外车辆，受托人将向利害关系方发出通知后提交额外动议，请求授权出售该等额外车辆；该等动议应包括：(i) 一份完整的 Appendix O（附录 O）表格，载明拟议拍卖出售的日期和方式；(ii) 拟纳入拟议拍卖出售的额外车辆说明及估计价值；(iii) 拟议拍卖出售的估计成本和费用明细表；以及 (iv) 汉密尔顿就将被拍卖的额外车辆取得的保证金副本。\n\n58. 此外，汉密尔顿取得额外车辆占有后两个 (2) 营业日内，受托人应向美国受托人提供保证金原件。该等保证金应覆盖汉密尔顿占有的额外车辆价值的 125%。\n\nII. 家具拍卖\n\n59. 受托人和 Genever US（Genever US）拟通过拍卖出售破产财产家具，以使各破产财产受益；其在与汉密尔顿协商后确定，拍卖应通过互联网进行，并由 Auction Ninja（拍卖忍者）维护的机制支持，Auction Ninja 是一家领先的在线拍卖机制公司。\n\n60. 受托人和 Genever US 请求指定汉密尔顿担任拍卖师，按照本文所述条款和条件接管、营销及拍卖破产财产家具。如上文所述及克努森声明所载，汉密尔顿在现场及互联网上进行拍卖方面具有丰富经验，包括涉及高端家具、办公设备及其他个人财产的拍卖。\n\n61. 预计汉密尔顿将为家具拍卖提供的服务包括：\n\na. 对破产财产家具进行检查、清洁、准备、拍摄及编目，以供互联网拍卖；以及\n\nb. 安排、监督、营销并完成破产财产家具的在线公开拍卖。\n\n汉密尔顿还将就破产财产家具的营销和出售与受托人和 Genever US 协商。虽然破产财产家具通常将在不设保留价的情况下出售，但受托人保留其认为适当时设定保留价的权利。\n\n62. 关于第一组家具，汉密尔顿已进行了初步检查，并为取得保证金之目的，估计家具物品的价值为 $150,000。9\n\n63. 据悉，第一组家具的所有权证书上不存在留置权或其他负担。\n\n9 为明确起见，New Jersey Storage Facility（新泽西存储设施）内第一组家具中的许多家具物品仍由专业人员包裹并装在箱子和/或板条箱中。汉密尔顿提供的估值是其为取得保证金之目的所能作出的最佳估计。\n\n64. 汉密尔顿将购买符合 Local Bankruptcy Rule 6005-1 要求的保证金。保证金副本将附于受托人即将提交的出售第一组家具动议，保证金原件将提交给美国受托人办公室。\n\n65. 受托人请求，在取得批准聘用汉密尔顿的命令及批准出售第一组家具的命令后，尽快由汉密尔顿进行第一组家具的拍卖出售。受托人将在其即将提交的出售第一组家具动议中提交完整的 Appendix O（附录 O）表格，其中载明拍卖日期及详细情况。\n\n66. 如本法院批准聘用汉密尔顿，且受托人随后追回其拟通过汉密尔顿出售的额外家具，受托人将向利害关系方发出通知后提交额外动议，请求授权出售该等额外家具；该等动议应包括：(i) 一份完整的 Appendix O（附录 O）表格，载明拟议拍卖出售的日期和方式；(ii) 拟纳入拟议拍卖出售的额外家具说明及估计价值；(iii) 拟议拍卖出售的估计成本和费用明细表；以及 (iv) 汉密尔顿就将被拍卖的额外家具取得的保证金副本。\n\n67. 此外，关于额外家具，受托人将在其请求授权出售该等家具的任何额外动议中，向美国受托人提供保证金原件。该等保证金应覆盖汉密尔顿占有的额外家具价值的 125%。\n\n报酬\n\nI. 车辆拍卖\n\n68. 汉密尔顿就出售破产财产车辆所提供的服务，将按如下方式获得报酬：\n\na. 由拍卖买受人支付 15% 的买受人佣金（买受人应直接向汉密尔顿支付该买受人佣金）；为免疑义，各破产财产无需向汉密尔顿支付任何佣金；以及\n\nb. 偿还拍卖出售的成本和费用，包括：\n\ni. 每次拍卖向 Bidspotter 支付 $350 的挂牌费；\n\nii. 按总销售价格计收并从出售所得中支付给 Bidspotter 的 3% 佣金；\n\niii. 任何拖车费用（第一组车辆估计为 $518.80）；\n\niv. 清洁及精细护理费用（第一组车辆估计为 $200）；\n\nv. 广告费用（第一组车辆估计为 $800）；以及\n\nvi. 保证金费用（第一组车辆为 $850）。\n\n69. 汉密尔顿应在每次拍卖出售破产财产车辆后，通过提交费用申请，请求法院批准其拍卖出售服务的报酬。\n\nII. 家具拍卖\n\n70. 汉密尔顿就通过三至四次在线公开拍卖出售第一组家具所提供的服务，将按如下方式获得报酬：\n\na. 从受托人和 Genever US 收取 15% 的佣金；\n\nb. 由拍卖买受人支付 15% 的买受人佣金（买受人应直接向汉密尔顿支付该买受人佣金）；为免疑义，各破产财产无需向汉密尔顿支付任何佣金；以及\n\nc. 偿还拍卖出售的成本和费用，包括：\n\ni. 准备拍卖的人工费用（估计为 $4,500.00）；\n\nii. 拍卖结束后的结算人工费用（估计为 $6,480.00）；\n\niii. 广告费用（估计为 $3,850.00）；\n\niv. Auction Ninja 收取的最终价值费（按 2.35% 计）；以及\n\nv. 保证金费用（估计为 $1,200.00）。\n\n71. 汉密尔顿就出售该等家具所提供的服务，将按如下方式获得报酬：\n\n其他家具，其报酬结构在实质上与上述所述相似。\n\n72. Hamilton（Hamilton集团有限责任公司）应在家具拍卖后，通过提交费用申请，就其拍卖销售服务的报酬寻求法院批准。\n\n救济依据\n\n73. 申请人根据《破产法典》第327(a)条，寻求聘用Hamilton作为破产财产车辆和破产财产家具的拍卖师；该条规定，第11章受托人和/或占有中的债务人经法院批准后，可以：\n\n聘用一名或多名不持有或代表与破产财产利益相冲突之利益、且为无利害关系人的律师、会计师、评估师、拍卖师或其他专业人士，以代表或协助[受托人]履行其在本法典项下的职责。\n\n74. 此外，《破产法典》第328(a)条允许受托人和/或占有中的债务人“经法院批准，……按照任何合理的雇佣条款和条件，根据第327条聘用或授权聘用专业人士……，包括按预付聘用费、按小时、按固定费用或百分比费用，或按风险代理费的方式。”11 U.S.C. § 328(a)。\n\n75. 根据《破产程序规则》第2014(a)条，聘用申请必须包括：\n\n显示该聘用必要性的具体事实、拟聘用的[律所]名称、选择该律所的理由、拟提供的专业服务、任何拟议的报酬安排，以及据申请人所知，该[律所]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、美国受托人或美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人士之间的全部关联关系。\n\n76. 根据当地破产规则第6005-1(b)条，提交法院的聘用拍卖师申请必须在适用于本案的范围内列明：\n\n(1) 对拍卖师服务的需要；(2) 拟出售财产的描述、其估计价值及所在地；(3) 拍卖师的报酬支付方式，以及如将从破产财产资产中支付，破产财产是否有足够资金支付拍卖师费用；(4) 如拟拍卖物品全部或部分构成担保物，对该等担保物主张担保权益的一方是否已同意支付拍卖师的任何或全部费用；(5) 如寻求助理的额外报酬或费用偿还，协助拍卖师需要多少名助理以及为何需要该等协助，受托人应就所需人数及按小时费用计算的每名助理将发生的费用作出支持性说明；以及(6) 为拍卖目的取得的保证金，其金额应至少超出拟出售财产估计价值的百分之二十五（25%），该保证金副本应附于聘用申请。\n\n77. 根据本文及Knudsen声明中所述事实和理由，按照本申请所载条款，为申请人聘用Hamilton作为拍卖师，以便(a) 为受托人处理破产财产车辆，包括推销和拍卖第一组车辆，以及(b) 处理破产财产家具，包括推销和拍卖第一组家具，均属合理、必要和适当，并符合《破产法典》第327条和第328条及《破产程序规则》第2014(a)条的要求。\n\n无利害关系资格\n\n78. 据受托人及Genever US（Genever控股有限责任公司）所知，除Knudsen声明所载事项外，Hamilton：(i) 不持有任何与个人债务人及Genever US破产财产利益相冲突的利益；(ii) 与Genever US、个人债务人、个人债务人的直系亲属或个人债务人的任何另我、个人债务人的债权人或任何利害关系方，或其各自律师和会计师不存在任何关联关系；(iii) 与美国受托人或美国受托人雇用的任何人士不存在任何关联关系；以及(iv) 是《破产法典》第101(14)条所定义、经《破产法典》第1107(b)条修正并为《破产法典》第327(a)条所要求的“无利害关系人”。\n\n通知\n\n79. 本申请已通过使用法院电子提交系统进行电子提交的方式，向美国受托人、债务人、无担保债权人官方委员会，以及在上述标题所示第11章案件中已出庭并请求通知的所有当事人发出通知；对于不具备接收电子通知资格的当事人，则通过美国邮件发出通知。\n\n此前未曾请求\n\n80. 此前未曾向本法院或任何其他法院提出本申请所寻求救济的请求。\n\n[本页其余部分特意留白。]\n\n因此，申请人请求本法院作出命令，授权聘用并指定Hamilton为拍卖师，以在公开拍卖中推销和拍卖破产财产车辆及破产财产家具，具体如本申请所载。\n\n日期：January 31, 2025\n康涅狄格州纽黑文\n\nLUC A. DESPINS（吕克·A·德斯平斯），第11章受托人，及GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC（Genever控股有限责任公司）\n\n代表：/s/ Douglas S. Skalka\nDouglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）(ct00616)\nPatrick R. Linsey（帕特里克·R·林赛）(ct29437)\nNEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C.（纽伯特、佩佩及蒙蒂思律师事务所）\n\n195 Church Street, 13th Floor\nNew Haven, Connecticut 06510\n(203) 781-2847\ndskalka@npmlaw.com\nplinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n及\n\nNicholas A. Bassett（尼古拉斯·A·巴塞特）（获准pro hac vice出庭）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP（普衡律师事务所）\n2050 M Street NW\nWashington, D.C., 20036\n(202) 551-1902\nnicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n及\n\nG. Alexander Bongartz（G. 亚历山大·邦加茨）（获准pro hac vice出庭）\nDouglass Barron（道格拉斯·巴伦）（获准pro hac vice出庭）\nPAUL HASTINGS LLP\n200 Park Avenue\nNew York, New York 10166\n(212) 318-6000\nalexbongartz@paulhastings.com\ndouglassbarron@paulhastings.com\n\n第11章受托人及Genever Holdings LLC的代理律师\n\n案号 22-50073 文档 4021 提交于 01/31/25 登记于 01/31/25 16:01:57 第 24 页，共 43 页\n\n附件A\n\n拟议命令\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：\n\n第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人，1\n\n案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。\n\n（联合管理）\n\n[拟议]命令：准许第11章受托人及GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC申请聘用并指定THE HAMILTON GROUP, LLC为拍卖师\n\n经审议，Luc A. Despins（下称“受托人”）以Ho Wan Kwok（下称“个人债务人”）第11章受托人身份，以及Genever Holdings LLC（下称“Genever US”）提出的申请（下称“本申请”）2，即聘用并指定The Hamilton Group, LLC（下称“Hamilton”）为拍卖师的申请；根据11 U.S.C. §§ 327和328及当地破产程序规则第6005-1条，并如本申请所更详细载明；并经审议该声明；且显示该专业人士具备提供该等专业服务的资格，且不代表任何与破产财产利益相冲突的利益；且已有正当理由；并于____________举行听证后，法院特此：\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，以及多个其他化名）（税务识别号最后四位数：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号最后四位数：8202）及Genever Holdings Corporation（Genever控股公司）。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC及Genever Holdings Corporation的邮寄地址为Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交Luc A. Despins，作为Ho Wan Kwok破产财产的受托人（仅限用于通知和通信）。\n\n2 本文所使用但未另行定义的大写术语，具有本申请中所规定的含义。\n\n兹命令，授权申请人根据11 U.S.C. §§ 327和328及当地破产程序规则第6005-1条，按照本申请所载条款和条件，聘用The Hamilton Group, LLC（下称“拍卖师”）作为拍卖师，以拍卖方式出售破产财产车辆及破产财产家具；并进一步\n\n兹命令，为避免疑义，破产财产车辆和破产财产家具的出售须经本法院另行作出授权该等出售的命令，并由申请人另行提出动议及向利害关系方发出通知。\n\n兹命令，拍卖师在提交其报酬申请及费用偿还请求后，并经通知和听证，应获支付依当地规则规定确定的报酬及合理费用偿还，并应由法院根据11 U.S.C. §§ 330和331审查及作出最终决定；并进一步\n\n兹命令，法院应保留对因解释或执行本命令而产生或与之相关的一切事项的管辖权。\n\n案号 22-50073 文档 4021 提交于 01/31/25 登记于 01/31/25 16:01:57 第 27 页，共 43 页\n\n附件B\n\n拍卖师声明\n\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION\n\n布里奇波特分庭\n\n关于：　第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK等人，　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。　（联合管理）\n\n拍卖师声明\n\n本人Michael J. Knudsen（迈克尔·J·克努森）经依法宣誓，声明如下：\n\n1. 本人是The Hamilton Group, LLC的成员，其营业地址为36 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, Connecticut 06413。\n\n2. 本人作出本声明，系就Genever Holdings LLC（下称“Genever US”）及Luc A. Despins以Ho Wan Kwok（下称“个人债务人”）破产财产第11章受托人（下称“受托人”）身份，就上述标题所示案件提交的指定并聘用The Hamilton Group, LLC作为拍卖师的申请而作出。\n\n3. The Hamilton Group, LLC从事拍卖业务已有相当多年，本人是一名经验丰富的拍卖师。Hamilton曾受本分庭第7章受托人聘用，并代表本分庭的破产财产完成逾20场拍卖。\n\n本第11章案件中的债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（亦称Guo Wengui、Miles Guo和Miles Kwok，以及多个其他化名）（税务识别号最后四位数：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号最后四位数：8202）及Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC及Genever Holdings Corporation的邮寄地址为Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交Luc A. Despins，作为Ho Wan Kwok破产财产的受托人（仅限用于通知和通信）。\n\n案号 22-50073 文档 4021 提交于 01/31/25 登记于 01/31/25 16:01:57 第 29 页，共 43 页\n\n4. 除本文披露者外，The Hamilton Group, LLC及其成员（合称“Hamilton”）与Genever US、个人债务人、个人债务人的直系亲属或个人债务人的任何另我、美国受托人或美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人士、个人债务人的债权人、Genever US的债权人或任何利害关系方，或其各自律师或会计师，不存在任何关联关系；且就本事项而言，我们不代表任何与受托人、个人债务人的破产财产、Genever US或Genever US的破产财产利益相冲突的利益。以下各段中，Hamilton列明其与本案律师及利害关系方的关联关系：\n\na) Hamilton（哈密尔顿）与 Law Offices of Ronald I. Chorches, LLC（罗纳德·I·乔切斯律师事务所）存在专业关系，更具体而言，Hamilton 与 Ronald I. Chorches, Esq.（罗纳德·I·乔切斯律师）以其第 7 章受托人身份，就第 7 章破产案件存在专业关系。\n\nb) Hamilton 与 Comerica Incorporated d/b/a Comerica Bank（科默里卡银行）存在专业关系；Hamilton 曾为 Comerica Incorporated d/b/a Comerica Bank 编制评估报告并实施拍卖。\n\nc) Hamilton 在 Citizens Bank（公民银行）维持商业银行账户。\n\nd) Hamilton 与 Bonnie C. Mangan（邦妮·C·曼根）存在专业关系，涉及其作为破产受托人的身份以及其在数项待决房地产交易中担任律师的角色。\n\ne) Hamilton 为专业及个人用途使用 Apple（苹果）手机和电脑产品。\n\nf) Hamilton 为专业及个人用途使用 Amazon（亚马逊）服务和 Amazon 账户。\n\ng) Hamilton 为专业及个人用途使用 Facebook（脸书）账户，该账户为 Meta（元）旗下业务。\n\n5. 我理解并同意，Hamilton 就本事项提供服务所获得的报酬及费用偿还，须在通知及听证后，依照《地方破产程序规则》6005-1(d)所规定的要求，经法院最终批准。\n\n于 2025 年 1 月 16 日在 Arizona（亚利桑那州）Chandler（钱德勒）签署。\n\n于 2025 年 1 月 16 日在本人面前签署并宣誓。\n\n兹：\n\n公证人\n证据 C\n存放中的家具及个人财产拍卖提案\n\n来自\n\nSherry Netherland Apartment（谢里·内瑟兰公寓），NY 及 Greenwich, CT（康涅狄格州格林尼治）住宅资产\n\n办公家具及电子设备\n\nHo Wan Kwok（郭文贵）等人，破产案件编号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n致：\n\nLuc A. Despins（吕克·A·德斯潘斯），作为 Ho Wan Kwok 遗产的第 11 章受托人，以及 Genever Holdings, LLC（杰内弗控股有限责任公司）（经由 Luc A. Despins，作为 Ho Wan Kwok 遗产的第 11 章受托人）Paul Hastings, LLP（普衡律师事务所）200 Park Avenue New York, NY 10166\n\n提交人：Michael J. Knudsen（迈克尔·J·克努森）Robert H Glass（罗伯特·H·格拉斯）The Hamilton Group（哈密尔顿集团）36 Killingworth Turnpike (Route 81) Clinton, CT 06413\n\n提交给：\n\nLuc A. Despins，作为第 11 章受托人\n\nPaul Hastings LLP\n200 Park Avenue\nNew York, NY 10166\n\n日期：January 12th, 2025\n\n提交人：Michael Knudsen（迈克尔·克努森）及 Robert Glass（罗伯特·格拉斯）\n\n36 Killingworth Turnpike (Route 81) Clinton, CT 06413 电话：203-433-8052 传真：203-643-2285 [Mike@hamilton-grp.com]\n\n[www.hamilton-grp.com]\n引言\n\n我们认为，The Hamilton Group 是一家极具创新性的公司，致力于通过处理和控制完整的资产变现流程，并通过仅在线公开拍卖的方式最大化及时的财务回报，从而为客户提供服务。一场“运行良好”的拍卖，是为所有资产实现最高及最佳价格的最公平方式。\n\n资产包括位于 NY 的 Sherry Netherland 大楼内公寓及 Greenwich Connecticut 住宅中的家具和个人财产，以及办公家具和设备。\n\n以下资产变现提案直接回应了我们所讨论的全部目标和关切。我们已准备好与您密切合作，以实现成功出售。\n\n基于资产情况及若干考量，我们建议以搬运和仓储设施所取得的租赁仓库为场地实施在线公开拍卖。我们认为，这将使资产获得最大程度的曝光，并允许本地及三州地区周边的竞拍人更广泛地参与。\n\n我们建议在 New Jersey（新泽西州）的租赁仓库中，对包括家具、个人财产及办公设备在内的资产进行三至四场独立的在线公开拍卖。最终拍卖场次将取决于仓库内资产的数量及物流情况。物品将在 New Jersey 仓库中集中，以便拆除搬运防护覆盖物和衬垫，对其进行拍照，并为出售编制详细目录。一旦我们开始为一组资产编制目录，拍卖日期将在约 2-3 周后举行。我们预计每场出售之间将相隔约两周。每场拍卖的提货将在出售结束约 48 小时后开始，并持续两至三天，同时为买方领取其竞得标的设定固定时间。\n营销\n定制资产回收计划\n\n我们认为，实施仅在线公开拍卖，将最大化您需要出售的家具、个人财产、办公设备以及车辆和摩托车的价值。对于住宅家具、办公家具及设备，拍卖将通过 Auction Ninja（拍卖忍者）进行定时在线出售。\n\n在开始我们的营销活动之前，我们将编制一份完整库存清单，其中包括资产的详细规格及照片。我们的营销人员将使用这些规格来准备拍卖传单、网站推广信息、广告及电子邮件；此外，他们还将联系买方，告知其有关出售事宜及拟出售物品的性质。\n\n面向室内设计师、古董收藏家、房主、经销商及其他潜在最终用户的广告，将刊登于 Facebook、Auctionzip.com、Craigslist（克雷格列表）以及其他在线拍卖日历。将制作明信片并寄送给选定的邮寄名单。此外，还将向约 15,000 人的名单发送电子邮件群发信息。\n\n拍卖：\n\n·营造购买紧迫感，并鼓励买方之间的竞争。\n·拍卖价格通常高于协商出售的价格。\n·要求潜在买方使用信用卡注册以核实身份。\n·确保实施积极的营销计划，以提高关注度和可见性。\n·我们的营销团队将使用市场直邮、电子邮件及在线广告。\n·资产按“现状、现地”出售。\n拍卖信息\n\n我们的计划以搬运和仓储公司已取得额外仓库空间为基础，该空间将允许目前存放在货架上的物品展开摆放。该设施还将把所有拟出售资产搬运至该设施，并将直接向遗产收取搬运、卡车运输及仓储费用。\n\n还假定，新仓库空间将有足够空间集中资产，并有空间以便于拆包、拍照及布置的方式摆放拍卖批次，从而加快中标竞拍人的提货流程。\n\n我们的计划是在前两场出售中安排来自 New York 公寓和 Greenwich 房屋的个人财产。第三场和第四场出售将涉及办公家具、电子设备和用品。每场出售均需拆除物品包装，因为该等物品均经专业包装；部分物品需要重新组装，劳动强度较大。随后将为每场出售制作照片和目录。我们的目标是使拍卖目录至少在线发布 14 天，使人们能够预览拍卖批次、提出问题并出价。然而，大多数出价通常发生在拍卖的最后一天。\n\nAuction Ninja 平台具有延长竞价功能（亦称“软关闭”）。每当在某一拍卖批次（拍卖物品）预定关闭前最后五分钟内有人出价时，竞价平台系统将自动延长该批次的关闭时间。根据竞拍人的兴趣，这可能在任何特定批次中发生多次。一旦某一批次中的所有兴趣和竞价停止，计时将结束，该批次将关闭。\n\n这是防止“狙击出价”（某人在任何特定批次关闭前的最后几秒钟提交高额出价以赢得该批次），并给予所有竞拍人机会在其希望时提高出价的最公平方式。这也是最接近模拟现场、当面拍卖的方式；在拍卖师落槌确认中标出价之前的最后时刻，如有人加入竞价，拍卖师会给予竞拍人提高出价的机会。\n\n我们的拍卖采用名义起拍价，以通过营造潜在价值感和兴奋感吸引更多竞拍人，鼓励更多人参与拍卖；这最终可能因竞拍人为赢得物品而竞争，导致更高的最终售价；实质上，这降低了潜在买方的参与门槛，使其更可能出价。\n\n物品通常以名义起拍价列出，以吸引最多竞拍人注册参与。除某些独特艺术品或家具外，所有物品通常均无保留价出售；对于该等物品，受托人可按其认为适当的方式设定保留价。保留价可向竞拍人披露，或作为该等批次的起拍价设定。\n佣金及费用条款\n佣金计划\n\n佣金拍卖满足在短时间内出售资产的需要。该计划的优点包括在目标市场中对资产进行密集且广泛的曝光，以扩大买方兴趣并尽量减少拍卖费用。\n\nThe Hamilton Group 将从卖方处收取 15% 的佣金。The Hamilton Group 将收取 15% 的买方溢价。\n\n项目的预估预算详列如下。\n预估费用\n\n拍卖准备／布置及拍照人工费，每人每小时 $45，（2）人每天 10 小时（预计 100 小时 x $45）= $4,500.00\n\n基于仓库举行 3 场拍卖，每场拍卖有 2 天提货期，（3）人 6 天，每天 8 小时（144 小时 x $45）= $6,480.00\n\nFacebook 定向营销：$2,000.00\n\nAuction Zip\n广告 $350.00\n一般广告 $1,500.\n\nAuction Ninja\n2.35% 最终价值费用 待定\n保证金\n就 $150,000.00 而言 $1,200.00\n出售所得及费用核算\n\n在此类出售中，遗产内有来自不同实体、地点或组别的大量资产需要核算。\n\n为此，我们的拍卖系统会为每个组别创建一个寄售人编号。例如，来自 Sherry Netherland 的资产将被分配单独的寄售人编号。随后，我们将能够对这些资产的出售情况进行追踪，使其与出售中的任何其他组别或物件分开。\n\n我们还将尽力使不同拍卖组别中仅包含其所属类别或实体的物品，而不混合资产。\n\n所收取的全部资金将存入我们在 Citizens Bank, NA 或 Wells Fargo（富国银行）持有的拍卖托管账户。\n\n每场拍卖的资金，扣除买方溢价后，将在拍卖结束后 15 日内连同详细销售报告一并移交给受托人。每场出售结束后 30 日内，如非更早，将向受托人提交费用及收据。\n\n在该流程中的任何时候，我们均可在提前二十四小时通知后，向受托人提供费用及所得款项的核算。\n历史与方法\n公司结构\n\nThe Hamilton Group 是一支由专业人士组成的评估、拍卖及清算团队。The Hamilton Group 的团队及关联方汇集世界一流人才及数十年的拍卖和估值经验。凭借我们的专业知识、协调能力及前沿技术的使用，我们为客户提供广泛的行业覆盖。我们的管理团队拥有超过 75 年的行业经验。我们提供完全整合的服务，以确保客户项目的成功。\n我们的方法\n\n由于每个项目或情况均不相同，并呈现其自身一系列独特挑战，我们始终准备评估项目的具体情况，并向客户提供若干为满足其个别需求而量身定制的一站式解决方案。无论是进行评估还是处置资本设备，我们对待每项委托的目标都是为客户尽力完成最佳工作。我们恪守行业最高标准，并以我们的诚信、勤奋工作及对项目成功的个人承诺为傲。\n公司历史\n\nHamilton Group（汉密尔顿集团）是一家资产回收公司，在购买、出售及评估遗产、工业机械和设备以及房地产方面拥有逾75年的综合经验。Hamilton Group 提供最高程度的专业性、诚信、经验和知识。我们的团队和成员已在全国各地举办过数百场优质古董、个人财产以及机械与设备遗产拍卖会。\n\nHamilton Group 及我们的管理团队已举办数百场拍卖会，涵盖古董、精美家具、艺术品、原始艺术品、民间艺术和工业资产。我们曾为 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee Kara Recia（第7章破产受托人卡拉·雷西亚）举办我们认为是过去十年中破产案件内规模最大的古董和收藏品销售。该销售历时数年，包含超过3场拍卖会，涉及精美艺术品、民间艺术品、早期美国古董、风向标收藏、收藏品和复古物品。这些拍卖会吸引了来自全国及国际的竞拍。我们定期为受托人、贷款机构和家庭进行遗产、家居物品、艺术品、古董及企业资产的销售。最近，我们为著名钟表及古董收藏家 Donald Brown（唐纳德·布朗）的遗产，在多个平台上举办了数场在线拍卖会。\n\n1973年，当时12岁的 Robert Glass（罗伯特·格拉斯）先生——本次销售程序的拍卖经理——追随其父亲的脚步，就读于位于爱荷华州梅森城的 The World Wide College of Auctioneering（世界拍卖学院）。他毕业于 Indiana State University（印第安纳州立大学），获得理学及工商管理学士学位，并完成了 National Auctioneers Association（全国拍卖师协会）的 Certified Auctioneers Institute（认证拍卖师学院）课程。在近40年间，格拉斯先生参与了逾1,000场拍卖会。他从事艺术品、古董和收藏品拍卖及评估工作已逾36年。格拉斯先生以自营拍卖师和评估师为生；他既为自己工作，也受雇于其他公司；其工作足迹遍及世界各地，包括 The United States（美国）、Canada（加拿大）、Mexico（墨西哥）和Europe（欧洲）。同样，他还评估和出售住宅遗产中的物品，包括家居陈设、古董、收藏品、银器、精美艺术品、汽车、商业设备和建筑设备。此外，格拉斯先生曾在六个州持有房地产执照，以用于房地产拍卖。\n\n此外，格拉斯先生一直为 New England（新英格兰）地区的律师、遗产管理人、遗嘱执行人及各银行信托部门，就遗嘱认证法院及遗产税目的编制评估报告。他数十年来一直与众多律师、银行家和受托人合作，他们要求其提供在资产评估和销售领域的专业知识。\n\n自 Hamilton Group 于2002年成立以来，格拉斯先生一直是提升所有评估、拍卖和清算项目工作质量不可或缺的一员。","key_entities":["HCHK","Je","Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Guo","Paul Hastings","CIPA","Miles Guo","forfeiture"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":9977,"status":"published","published_at":"2025-01-31 00:00:00","created_at":"2025-01-31","updated_at":"2026-08-23 21:03:41"}