{"id":"court_ctb_4144_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":4144,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":null,"title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | ___________________________________________","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| _______________________________________________ | | | | | | |\n|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|--|--|\n| In re | : Chapter 11 | | | | | |\n| Ho Wan Kwok, | :
: Case No. 22-50073
(JAM)
: Jointly Administered | | | | | |\n| Debtor.1
________________________________________________: | : | | | | | |\n| | FEE APPLICATION COVER SHEET | | | | | |\n| SIXTH
Interim/Final
Fee application of:
Pullman & Comley, LLC | | | | | | |\n| Time Period:
From:
September 1, 2024 | To:
December 31, 2024 | | | | | |\n| Bankruptcy Petition Filed:
February 15, 2022 | | | | | | |\n| Date of Entry of Retention Order: | April 29, 2022
effective as of March 29, 2022 | | | | | |\n| Amount Requested | Reductions | | | | | |\n| Fees:
\\$25,318.00 | Voluntary Fee Reductions:
\\$0 | | | | | |\n| Expenses:
\\$
256.99 | Expenses:
\\$0 | | | | | |\n| Total:
\\$25,574.99 | | | | | | |\n| Retainer Request:
Expense Detail: | | | | | | |\n| Retainer Received
__N/A___ | Retainer Received
___N/A_______ | | | | | |\n| Prior award applied
__N/A___ | Prior award applied
___N/A_______ | | | | | |\n| Balance before this request
__N/A___
Balance before this request
___N/A_______ | | | | | | |\n| Copies per page cost and total___N/A_______ | | | | | | |\n| Hours and Rates per professional: | | | | | | |\n| Hours
0.4
Rate
\\$600.00
to \\$615.00 | Irve J. Goldman | | | | | |\n| Hours 27.0
Rate
\\$590.00
to \\$600.00 | Kristin B. Mayhew | | | | | |\n| Hours 18.8
Rate
\\$475.00
to \\$480.00 | Jonathan A. Kaplan | | | | | |\n\n1 The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and 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## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ In re : Chapter 11 : Ho Wan Kwok, : Case No. 22-50073 : Debtor. : : \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_:\n\n## **SIXTH INTERIM APPLICATION OF PULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC, COUNSEL TO THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS, FOR COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED FOR THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024**\n\n| Name of Applicant: | Pullman & Comley, LLC |\n|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|\n| Authorized to provide
professional services to: | The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors |\n| Date of Retention: | April 29, 2022
effective as of
March 29, 2022 |\n| Period for which compensation
and reimbursement is sought: | September 1, 2024
through
December 31, 2024 |\n| Amount of Compensation sought
as actual, reasonable and necessary: | \\$25,318.00 |\n| Amount of Expense Reimbursement
sought
as actual, reasonable and
necessary: | \\$256.99 |\n| Voluntary Reductions: | \\$0.00 |\n| | |\n\nThis is a(n): Interim Final application\n\n| | | | Requested | | Monthly Statements | | Certificate |\n|-------------------|---------------|----------------------------|--------------|------------|--------------------|----------|-----------------------------------|\n| Application | Date
Filed | Period
Covered | Fees
100% | Expenses | Fees
80% | Expenses | of No Objection
/ Signed Order |\n| First
Interim | 6/20/23 | 3/29/2022-
4/30/23 | \\$504,742.00 | \\$709.53 | \\$12,226.88 | \\$0.00 | 7/20/2023 |\n| Fee
Statement | 9/20/23 | 8/1/2023-
8/31/2023 | \\$19,104.50 | -0- | \\$15,283.60 | \\$0.00 | N/A |\n| Fee
Statement | 10/20/23 | 9/1/2023-
9/30/2023 | \\$32,627.50 | -0- | \\$26,102.00 | \\$0.00 | N/A |\n| Second
Interim | 10/16/23 | 5/1/2023 –
8/31/2023 | \\$86,457.50 | \\$1,751.60 | NA | NA | 11/30/2023 |\n| Third
Interim | 2/14/24 | 9/1/2023 –
12/31/2023 | \\$89,835.50 | \\$392.14 | NA | NA | 3/20/2024 |\n| Fourth
Interim | 6/24/24 | 1/1/2024
–
4/30/2024 | \\$56,420.00 | \\$548.40 | NA | NA | 7/23/2024 |\n| Fifth
Interim | 10/21/24 | 5/1/2024 –
8/31/2024 | \\$29,457.00 | \\$293.10 | NA | NA | 11/20/2024 |\n\n# **PRIOR APPLICATION HISTORY**\n\n## **SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONALS AND PARAPROFESSIONALS RENDERING SERVICES FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024**\n\n| | Year | | Hours | | |\n|-----------------------|----------|--------------------|--------|--------------|-------------|\n| Timekeeper Name | Admitted | Title/Department | Worked | Rate | Bill Amount |\n| | | Partner/Litigation | | | |\n| Irve J. Goldman | 1989 | and Bankruptcy | 0.40 | \\$600-\\$6152 | \\$240.00 |\n| | | Partner/Litigation | | | |\n| Mayhew, Kristin B. | 1999 | and Bankruptcy | 27.0 | \\$590-\\$600 | \\$16,144.00 |\n| | | Partner/Litigation | | | |\n| Kaplan, Jonathan A. | 2005 | and Bankruptcy | 18.8 | \\$475-\\$480 | \\$8,934.00 |\n| TOTAL ALL TIMEKEEPERS | | | 46.2 | | 25,318.00 |\n| Attorney Blended Rate | | | | | \\$555 |\n\n# **SUMMARY OF COMPENSATION BY PROJECT CATEGORY FOR THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024**\n\n| Task
Number | Task Description | Hours | Total |\n|----------------|-------------------------------------------|-------|------------|\n| 1 | Case Administration | 17.10 | \\$9,292.00 |\n| 2 | Meetings and Communication with Creditors | .90 | \\$488.00 |\n| 3 | Fee/Employment Applications | 10.80 | \\$5,966.00 |\n\n2 On October 7, 2024, P&C filed its Notice of Change in Hourly Rates for Pullman & Comley, LLC, Counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors [Dkt. No. 3644] reflecting the increase in hourly rates for the attorneys and paralegals at the firm effective October 1, 2024. The adjusted rates are reflected on the monthly invoices attached as **Exhibit A**.\n\n| Task
Number | Task Description | Hours | Total |\n|----------------|------------------------------------|-------|-------------|\n| 4 | DIP Financing | 0 | 0 |\n| 5 | Asset Analysis and Recovery | 17.40 | \\$9572.00 |\n| | Total Fees Rendered This Statement | 46.20 | \\$25,318.00 |\n\n## **EXPENSE SUMMARY FOR THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024**\n\n| Court telephonic hearing fees | \\$0 |\n|------------------------------------------|----------|\n| Express Mail | \\$30.19 |\n| External Phone Charges | \\$0 |\n| Copies | \\$220.80 |\n| Travel and related expenses
(parking) | \\$6.00 |\n| Business Lunch | \\$0 |\n| Certificate of Good Standing | \\$0 |\n| Total Disbursements | \\$256.99 |\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\nDebtor.1\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_:\n\nIn re : Chapter 11 : Ho Wan Kwok, : Case No. 22-50073 : :\n\n:\n\n## **SIXTH INTERIM APPLICATION OF PULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC, AS COUNSEL TO THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS FOR COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED FOR THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024**\n\nPursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 and 331, Rule 2016(a) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1, Pullman & Comley, LLC (\"P&C\"), as counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Debtor's Chapter 11 Case (the \"Committee\"), appointed in the chapter 11 case of the Debtor, Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\"), submits its sixth interim application (the \"Application\") for allowance of compensation and reimbursement of expenses for the period of September 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 (the \"Fee Period\"). By this Application, P&C seeks an interim allowance of compensation in the amount of \\$25,318.00 and expense reimbursement in the amount of \\$256.99. In support of this Application, P&C respectfully states as follows:\n\n1 The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n### **BACKGROUND**\n\n1. On February 15, 2022 (the \"Petition Date\"), the Debtor filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut, thereby commencing this Chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\").\n\n2. The Debtor remained a debtor in possession under sections 1101(1) and 1106(a) until a chapter 11 trustee, Luc A. Despins (the \"Trustee\"), was appointed by the United States trustee (\"UST\") on July 7, 2022 and approved by the Court on July 8, 2022.\n\n3. On March 21, 2022, the UST appointed the Committee pursuant to section 1102(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n4. Shortly after its appointment, the Committee selected P&C as its counsel and on April 5, 2022, filed its Application to Employ Pullman & Comely, LLC as Counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors.\n\n5. On April 29, 2022, the Court entered the *Order Authorizing Retention and Employment of Pullman & Comley, LLC as Counsel for the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors*, which was made effective as of March 29, 2022 (\"Retention Order\"). The Retention Order authorizes P&C to be compensated in accordance with the procedures set forth in 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 and 331, the applicable Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, the rules of this Court and any Order entered by this Court with respect to the compensation of professionals.\n\n6. Through the Application, P&C seeks allowance of compensation for professional services rendered for and on behalf of the Committee during the Fee Period. A detailed description of services rendered during the Fee Period in the form of P&C's monthly invoices, which also contain the disbursements it incurred in connection with the rendition of P&C's services, is annexed hereto as Exhibit \"A**\"**.\n\n- 2 -\n\n### **BRIEF CASE HISTORY**\n\n7. The Debtor commenced the Chapter 11 Case one day before the date by which he was ordered to pay a \\$134,000,000 contempt fine (the \"Contempt Order\") to Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P. (\"PAX\") in the action, PAX v. Kwok, Index No. 652077/2017, pending in New York Supreme Court (the \"New York Action\").\n\n8. Given the long-standing and acrimonious litigation history between PAX and the Debtor, on March 1, 2022 PAX promptly moved for relief from the automatic stay to return to the New York Action for purposes of enforcing the Contempt Order (the \"PAX Lift Stay Motion\").\n\n9. On March 19, 2022, the UST filed a Motion for Order Directing Appointment of an Examiner, or in the Alternative, Motion for Order Directing the Appointment of a Chapter 11 Trustee (\"UST 1104 Motion\").\n\n10. On April 6, 2022, PAX filed a Motion to Dismiss Chapter 11 Case or, in the Alternative, Partial Joinder to United States Trustee's Motion for Order Directing the Appointment of a Chapter 11 Trustee (\"PAX Motion to Dismiss\").\n\n11. While the UST 1104 Motion and PAX Motion to Dismiss remained pending, the PAX Lift Stay Motion was resolved by a Stipulated Order Compelling HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC to Transport and Deliver That Certain Yacht, The \"Lady May,\" entered on April 29, 2022. The focus of the Chapter 11 Case then turned to whether it should be dismissed, which was the principal form of relief requested in the PAX Motion to Dismiss, or converted, or whether a Chapter 11 trustee should be appointed. The Committee was the principal party opposing the PAX Motion to Dismiss, which was scheduled for an evidentiary hearing on May 25, 2022.\n\n12. Prior to and while pretrial proceedings relating to the PAX Motion to Dismiss were proceeding, the parties and the Court were dealing with a number of early case motions filed by\n\n- 3 -\n\nthe Debtor and opposed by the Committee or other parties in interest, in whole or in part, including (i) applications to retain Brown Rudnick LLP as Debtor's counsel, Verdolino & Lowey, P.C. as Debtor's financial advisor, and Stretto, Inc. as its claims and noticing agent (all filed on March 16, 2022), (ii) Debtor's for Entry of an Order Authorizing (I) Employment and Payment of Professionals Utilized in the Ordinary Course, (II) Payment of Prepetition Claims, and (III) Granting Related Relief, filed on March 22, 2022 (the \"OCP Motion\"), and (iii) Debtor's Motion for Entry of Interim and Final DIP Orders (I) Authorizing the Debtor to Obtain Unsecured, Subordinated Postpetition Financing and (II) Scheduling Interim and Final Hearings, and (III) Granting Related Relief, filed on March 22, 2022 (the \"DIP Motion\"), which proposed an \\$8 million unsecured, subordinated loan to the estate, \\$4 million of which would be dedicated to payment of professional fees of the Committee and/or and examiner to conduct an investigation into the Debtor's assets and financial affairs.\n\n13. While the Committee was able to negotiate further concessions from the proposed DIP lender, Golden Spring (New York) Ltd. (\"Golden Spring\"), including preservation of alter ego claims against Golden Spring notwithstanding its proposed financing, the Court was having reservations with the proposed loan and was proceeding incrementally by requiring fee budgets from the parties for more defined periods of time and scheduled a hearing on the DIP Motion and other matters, including the applications to retain Brown Rudnick and Verdolino & Lowey, for April 27, 2022. At that hearing, the DIP Motion was continued for hearing on May 4, 2022, after which the Court took the matter under advisement.\n\n14. On May 11, 2022, however, before the Court could issue its decision on the DIP Motion, the Debtor filed a Consent to the Dismissal of the Chapter 11 Case and a Notice of Withdrawal of the DIP Motion.\n\n- 4 -\n\n15. The Committee vigorously opposed the PAX Motion to Dismiss, which was the subject of an evidentiary hearing on May 25, 2022 after substantial briefing by the parties, exchange of trial exhibits and other pretrial proceedings. On June 15, 2022, the Court issued its Memorandum of Decision and Order Denying Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice and Granting Joinder to Motion for Appointment of Chapter 11 Trustee.\n\n16. On July 7, 2022, the UST appointed the Trustee as the chapter 11 trustee of the Debtor's estate and his appointment was approved by the Court on July 8, 2022.\n\n17. Litigation almost immediately ensued by the Debtor's filing of an objection to the Trustee's appointment, a motion for relief from the order appointing the Trustee, and an objection to the Trustee's application to retain his firm, Paul Hastings LLP, as his counsel. All of these attempts by the Debtor to oust the Trustee2 and prevent his retention of counsel were denied by the Court by orders entered on August 2, 2022.\n\n18. Since the Trustee's appointment, the Committee has taken a supportive role in the administration of the Chapter 11 Case, consulting with the Trustee as necessary in the administration of the Chapter 11 Case, 11 U.S.C. § 1103(a)(1), and serving a \"watchdog\" function. *See e.g. In re Commercial Mortgage and Finance Co.*, 414 B.R. 389, 400 (Bankr. N.D. Ill. 2009) (recognizing that \"creditor committees often serve a 'watchdog' function\").\n\n### **SUMMARY OF SERVICES BY PROJECT CATEGORY**\n\n19. The services rendered by P&C during the Fee Period are itemized as set forth in Exhibit \"A\" and summarized by project category as follows:\n\n2 The Debtor later filed a motion to remove the Trustee on December 30, 2022, which was opposed by the Committee and, of course, the Trustee, and was withdrawn by the Debtor on April 5, 2023.\n\n### A. Case Administration: Fees: \\$9,292.00 Hours: 17.10\n\n20. Among the myriad services performed by the Committee in this project category were reviewing pleadings, other papers and court orders or decisions, attending any court hearings, and engaging in discussions with the Trustee or his counsel relating to the Debtor's case and the following contested matters and adversary proceedings: review of monthly operating reports, the Trustee's motion to amend mediation procedures, the Trustee's motion to sell the Greenwich property, the Trustee's motion to seal settlement agreements and objections to same, the Trustee's 17th omnibus motion for 2004 examinations and objections thereto, the Trustee's motion to increase the spending cap with respect to the Mahwah mansion and various motions to quash subpoenas served by the Trustee.\n\nB. Communications with Creditors Fees: \\$488.00 Hours: .9\n\n21. Services within this project category included telephone conferences and email communications with members of the Committee concerning the Trustee's sale of the Sherry Netherland apartment, the Trustee's retention of various international counsel, the Trustee's sale of the Greenwich property, the interim fee applications of various parties, and updates on various hearings/rulings.\n\nC. Fee and Employment Applications Fees: \\$5,966.00 Hours: 10.80\n\n22. Services included within this project category included reviewing and reporting to the Committee on the interim fee applications and monthly fee statements of the Trustee's professionals, including Paul Hastings, Neubert Pepe & Monteith, O'Sullivan McCormack, Jensen & Bliss, Pallas Partners, Kroll, Prager Dreiffus AG, and Winne, Banta, Basralian & Kahn, review of the Trustee's various applications to retain counsel in New Jersey, British Virgin Islands, Mauritius, and United Arab Emirates, and attending hearings related to such matters, including communications with U.S. Trustee's office and Trustee's counsel, and\n\n- 6 -\n\nreviewing the underlying invoices and preparing a fifth interim fee application for Pullman & Comley, LLC as counsel to the Committee and attending the hearing thereon.\n\nD. DIP Financing Fees: \\$ 0 Hours: 0\n\n23. P&C did not provide any services with respect to this project category during this interim period.\n\nE. Asset Analysis and Recovery Fees: \\$9,572.00 Hours: 17.40\n\n24. Services in this project category included reviewing the Trustee's updates concerning the Trustee's motion to sell the Mahwah mansion, the Trustee's motion to sell the Greenwich property subject to higher and better offers, review and analysis of multiple adversary complaints to avoid fraudulent transfer claims, alter ego claims and RICO claims, review of the Trustee's motion to stay discovery in certain avoidance actions, review of Genever Holdings LLC's status report concerning the renovations of the Sherry Netherland apartment, review and analysis of the Defendants' motions to dismiss avoidance actions, review of the Trustee's omnibus motion for 2004 examinations and attending hearings before the Court on these various motions and review of the Bankruptcy Court orders and Connecticut District Court orders concerning same.\n\n### **DISBURSEMENTS**\n\n25. P&C incurred reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses in the sum of \\$256.99 in connection with rendering legal services to the Committee during the Fee Period. These disbursements consisted of copying charges and parking expenses.\n\n### **VALUATION OF SERVICES & RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n26. Attorneys and paraprofessionals employed by P&C have expended a total of 46.2 hours in connection with this matter during the Fee Period detailed below. The nature of the work performed by these persons is fully set forth in the detail attached hereto as Exhibit \"A\". The\n\n- 7 -\n\nhourly rates set forth above were P&C's current hourly rates for work of this nature at the time the services were rendered. The reasonable value of the services rendered by P&C for the Fee Period as counsel to the Committee is \\$25,318.00.\n\n27. In accordance with the factors enumerated in section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, the amount requested is fair and reasonable given (a) the complexity of these Chapter 11 Cases, (b) the time expended, (c) the nature and extent of the services rendered, (d) the value of such services, and (e) the cost of comparable services other than in a case under this title.\n\n28. This is P&C's sixth interim application. P&C has received no payment and no promises for payment from any source for services rendered or to be rendered in any capacity whatsoever in connection with these cases, and there is no agreement or understanding between P&C and any other person, other than members of P&C, for the sharing of compensation to be received for services rendered in these cases. No prior application has been made to this or any other Court for this Fee Period or for the allowance of fees and disbursements sought herein.\n\n29. This Application covers the period of September 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. P&C has and will continue to perform additional necessary services subsequent to December 31, 2024, for which P&C will file subsequent fee applications.\n\n30. Annexed hereto as Exhibit \"B\", and made part hereof, is a Certification of Kristin B. Mayhew, Esq, a member of P&C, submitted pursuant to section 504 of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n**WHEREFORE**, P&C respectfully requests the Court enter an order, substantially in the form attached hereto, providing: (a) that an interim allowance be made to P&C for the period from September 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 in the amount of (i) \\$25,318.00 as compensation for necessary professional services rendered, and (ii) \\$256.99 for actual and necessary expenses incurred, for a total of \\$25,574.99; (b) that the Trustee be authorized and directed to pay P&C the outstanding amount of such sums; and (c) for such other and further relief as may be just and\n\nproper.\n\nDated: Bridgeport, Connecticut February 21, 2025 Respectfully submitted,\n\n## **PULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC**\n\n*/s/ Kristin B. Mayhew* Irve J. Goldman, Esq. (ct02404) Kristin B. Mayhew (ct20896) Jonathan A. Kaplan, Esq. (ct27126) 850 Main Street, 8th Floor P.O. Box 7006 Bridgeport, CT 06601-7006 Telephone: (203) 330-2213 Facsimile: (203) 576-8888 E-mail: [jgoldman@pullcom.com](mailto:jgoldman@pullcom.com) [kmayhew@pullcom.com](mailto:kmayhew@pullcom.com) [jkaplan@pullcom.com](mailto:jkaplan@pullcom.com)\n\n*Counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors*","body_zh":"美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院布里奇波特分部\n\n关于： 第11章\nHo Wan Kwok（郭文贵）：\n：案件编号 22-50073\n(JAM)\n：合并管理\n债务人。1\n________________________________________________： ：\n费用申请封面\n第六次\n临时／最终\n费用申请人：\nPullman & Comley, LLC（普尔曼与康利有限责任公司）\n期间：\n自：\nSeptember 1, 2024 至：\nDecember 31, 2024\n破产申请提交日期：\nFebruary 15, 2022\n聘任令录入日期： April 29, 2022\n自 March 29, 2022 起生效\n申请金额 扣减\n费用：\n$25,318.00 自愿费用扣减：\n$0\n开支：\n$\n256.99 开支：\n$0\n合计：\n$25,574.99\n预付聘用费申请：\n开支明细：\n已收预付聘用费\n__不适用___ 已收预付聘用费\n___不适用_______\n已适用先前裁定金额\n__不适用___ 已适用先前裁定金额\n___不适用_______\n本次申请前余额\n__不适用___\n本次申请前余额\n___不适用_______\n每页副本费用及合计___不适用_______\n各专业人员的工时及费率：\n工时\n0.4\n费率\n$600.00\n至 $615.00 Irve J. Goldman（欧文·J·戈德曼）\n工时 27.0\n费率\n$590.00\n至 $600.00 Kristin B. Mayhew（克里斯汀·B·梅休）\n工时 18.8\n费率\n$475.00\n至 $480.00 Jonathan A. Kaplan（乔纳森·A·卡普兰）\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 及 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（吉尼弗控股有限责任公司）（税务识别号码后四位：8202）及 Genever Holdings Corporation（吉尼弗控股公司）。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 和 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为 Paul Hastings LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所），200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交 Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯），作为 Ho Wan Kwok 遗产的受托人（仅用于通知和通信）。\n\n美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院布里奇波特分部\n\n________________________________________________ 关于：：第11章 ：Ho Wan Kwok：：案件编号 22-50073 ：债务人。：： __________________________________________________：\n\nPULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC作为无担保债权人正式委员会律师，就2024年9月1日至2024年12月31日期间已提供服务的报酬及已发生开支的偿还提出的第六次临时申请\n\n申请人名称： Pullman & Comley, LLC\n\n获授权向以下主体提供\n专业服务： 无担保债权人正式委员会\n聘任日期： April 29, 2022\n自\nMarch 29, 2022\n起生效\n申请报酬及偿还的\n期间： September 1, 2024\n至\nDecember 31, 2024\n所申请的报酬金额，\n作为实际、合理且必要的： $25,318.00\n所申请的开支偿还金额，\n作为实际、合理且\n必要的： $256.99\n自愿扣减： $0.00\n\n本申请为：临时 最终申请\n\n申请 月度账单 证明\n\n申请 提交\n日期 涵盖\n期间 费用\n100% 开支 费用\n80% 开支 无异议证明\n／已签署命令\n第一次\n临时申请 6/20/23 3/29/2022-\n4/30/23 $504,742.00 $709.53 $12,226.88 $0.00 7/20/2023\n费用\n账单 9/20/23 8/1/2023-\n8/31/2023 $19,104.50 -0- $15,283.60 $0.00 不适用\n费用\n账单 10/20/23 9/1/2023-\n9/30/2023 $32,627.50 -0- $26,102.00 $0.00 不适用\n第二次\n临时申请 10/16/23 5/1/2023 –\n8/31/2023 $86,457.50 $1,751.60 不适用 不适用 11/30/2023\n第三次\n临时申请 2/14/24 9/1/2023 –\n12/31/2023 $89,835.50 $392.14 不适用 不适用 3/20/2024\n第四次\n临时申请 6/24/24 1/1/2024\n–\n4/30/2024 $56,420.00 $548.40 不适用 不适用 7/23/2024\n第五次\n临时申请 10/21/24 5/1/2024 –\n8/31/2024 $29,457.00 $293.10 不适用 不适用 11/20/2024\n先前申请记录\n2024年9月1日至2024年12月31日期间提供服务的专业人员及辅助专业人员摘要\n\n年份 工时\n\n计时人员姓名 取得执业资格年份 职务／部门 工作\n工时 费率 账单金额\n合伙人／诉讼\nIrve J. Goldman 1989 及破产 0.40 $600-$6152 $240.00\n合伙人／诉讼\nMayhew, Kristin B. 1999 及破产 27.0 $590-$600 $16,144.00\n合伙人／诉讼\nKaplan, Jonathan A. 2005 及破产 18.8 $475-$480 $8,934.00\n所有计时人员合计 46.2 25,318.00\n律师综合费率 $555\n2024年9月1日至2024年12月31日期间按项目类别列示的报酬摘要\n\n任务\n编号 任务说明 工时 合计\n\n1 案件管理 17.10 $9,292.00\n2 与债权人的会议及沟通 .90 $488.00\n3 费用／聘任申请 10.80 $5,966.00\n\n2 On October 7, 2024, P&C filed its Notice of Change in Hourly Rates for Pullman & Comley, LLC, Counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors [Dkt. No. 3644]，反映自 October 1, 2024 起该律师事务所律师及律师助理小时费率的提高。调整后的费率已反映于作为附件A附上的月度发票中。\n\n任务\n编号 任务说明 工时 合计\n\n4 债务人占有期间融资 0 0\n5 资产分析及追偿 17.40 $9572.00\n本账单提供服务的费用合计 46.20 $25,318.00\n2024年9月1日至2024年12月31日期间开支摘要\n\n法院电话听证费用 $0\n\n特快专递 $30.19\n外部电话费用 $0\n副本 $220.80\n差旅及相关开支\n（停车） $6.00\n商务午餐 $0\n良好存续证明 $0\n支出合计 $256.99\n美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院布里奇波特分部\n\n债务人。1\n\n________________________________________________\n\n________________________________________________：\n\n关于：：第11章 ：Ho Wan Kwok：：案件编号 22-50073 ：：\n\n：\nPULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC作为无担保债权人正式委员会律师，就2024年9月1日至2024年12月31日期间已提供服务的报酬及已发生开支的偿还提出的第六次临时申请\n\n根据 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 和 331、《联邦破产程序规则》第2016(a)条、当地破产规则第2016-1条，Pullman & Comley, LLC（“P&C”）作为在债务人 Ho Wan Kwok（“债务人”）第11章案件中获任命的无担保债权人正式委员会（“委员会”）的律师，提交其第六次临时申请（“本申请”），请求准许就 September 1, 2024 至 December 31, 2024 期间（“费用期间”）获得报酬及开支偿还。P&C 通过本申请请求临时准许金额为 $25,318.00 的报酬及金额为 $256.99 的开支偿还。为支持本申请，P&C 谨陈如下：\n\n1 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 及 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号码后四位：8202）及 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 和 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为 Paul Hastings LLP，200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交 Luc A. Despins，作为 Ho Wan Kwok 遗产的受托人（仅用于通知和通信）。\n\n背景\n\n1. On February 15, 2022（“申请日”），债务人在美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院根据《美国法典》第11编（“破产法”）第11章提交了自愿救济申请，由此启动本第11章案件（“第11章案件”）。\n\n2. 债务人依据第1101(1)条及第1106(a)条继续作为占有中的债务人，直至 United States trustee（“UST”）于 July 7, 2022 任命第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins（“受托人”），并于 July 8, 2022 获本院批准。\n\n3. On March 21, 2022，UST 根据《破产法》第1102(a)(1)条任命委员会。\n\n4. 委员会获任命后不久，选定 P&C 作为其律师，并于 April 5, 2022 提交了关于聘任 Pullman & Comley, LLC 作为无担保债权人正式委员会律师的申请。\n\n5. On April 29, 2022，本院录入了《授权聘任及雇用 Pullman & Comley, LLC 作为无担保债权人正式委员会律师的命令》，该命令自 March 29, 2022 起生效（“聘任令”）。聘任令授权 P&C 按照 11 U.S.C. §§ 330 和 331、适用的《联邦破产程序规则》、本院规则及本院就专业人员报酬录入的任何命令所规定的程序获得报酬。\n\n6. P&C 通过本申请请求准许其在费用期间为委员会并代表委员会提供的专业服务的报酬。费用期间所提供服务的详细说明，以 P&C 月度发票的形式附于本申请，作为附件“A”；该等发票亦载有其因提供 P&C 服务而发生的支出。\n\n- 2 -\n\n简要案件历史\n\n7. 债务人在其被命令向 Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P.（“PAX”）支付 $134,000,000 藐视法庭罚款（“藐视法庭令”）的截止日期前一天，启动了第11章案件。该藐视法庭令系由 New York Supreme Court（纽约州最高法院）审理中的 PAX v. Kwok，Index No. 652077/2017 一案（“纽约诉讼”）作出。\n\n8. 鉴于 PAX 与债务人之间长期且激烈的诉讼历史，On March 1, 2022，PAX 迅速提出动议，请求解除自动停止，以返回纽约诉讼执行藐视法庭令（“PAX解除停止动议”）。\n\n9. On March 19, 2022，UST 提交了请求作出命令指示任命审查员的动议，或作为替代请求，提交了请求作出命令指示任命第11章受托人的动议（“UST 1104动议”）。\n\n10. On April 6, 2022，PAX 提交了请求驳回第11章案件的动议，或作为替代请求，部分加入美国受托人关于作出命令指示任命第11章受托人的动议（“PAX驳回动议”）。\n\n11. 在 UST 1104动议和 PAX驳回动议仍待裁决期间，PAX解除停止动议通过于 April 29, 2022 录入的《强制 HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC 运送及交付特定游艇“Lady May”的协议命令》得到解决。第11章案件的焦点随后转向该案件是否应被驳回——这是 PAX驳回动议所请求的主要救济——或被转换，或是否应任命第11章受托人。委员会是反对 PAX驳回动议的主要当事方，该动议原定于 May 25, 2022 进行证据听证。\n\n12. 在与 PAX驳回动议有关的审前程序进行之前及进行期间，当事方和本院处理了债务人提出、且委员会或其他利害关系方全部或部分反对的若干早期案件动议，包括：(i) 申请聘任 Brown Rudnick LLP 作为债务人律师、Verdolino & Lowey, P.C. 作为债务人财务顾问，以及 Stretto, Inc. 作为其债权申报及通知代理人（均于 March 16, 2022 提交）；(ii) 债务人于 March 22, 2022 提交的请求录入命令以授权(I) 雇用及支付在正常业务过程中使用的专业人员、(II) 支付申请日前债权，以及(III) 授予相关救济的动议（“OCP动议”）；及 (iii) 债务人于 March 22, 2022 提交的请求录入临时及最终债务人占有期间融资命令，以(I) 授权债务人取得无担保、次级申请日后融资，及(II) 安排临时及最终听证会，及(III) 授予相关救济的动议（“DIP动议”）。该动议提议向遗产提供一笔 $8 million 的无担保、次级贷款，其中 $4 million 将专用于支付委员会和／或审查员的专业费用，以对债务人的资产及财务状况进行调查。\n\n- 3 -\n\n13. 尽管委员会能够与拟议的 DIP 贷款人 Golden Spring (New York) Ltd.（纽约金泉有限公司，以下简称“Golden Spring”）就进一步让步进行协商，包括尽管其拟议融资仍保留对 Golden Spring 提出的另我责任主张，但法院对拟议贷款存有疑虑，并通过要求各方提交更明确期间的费用预算而逐步推进，同时将 DIP 动议及其他事项（包括聘用 Brown Rudnick（布朗·拉德尼克律师事务所）和 Verdolino & Lowey（Verdolino & Lowey 律师事务所）的申请）排期于 April 27, 2022 审理。在该听证会上，DIP 动议续延至 May 4, 2022 审理，其后法院将该事项留待审议。\n\n14. 然而，在法院能够就 DIP 动议作出裁定之前，债务人于 May 11, 2022 提交了同意驳回 Chapter 11 案件的文件及撤回 DIP 动议的通知。\n\n- 4 -\n\n15. 委员会坚决反对 PAX（PAX）提出的驳回动议；在各方进行了大量书面陈述、交换审判证物及其他审前程序后，该动议于 May 25, 2022 进行了证据听证。法院于 June 15, 2022 发布《驳回无偏见驳回动议并准许加入任命 Chapter 11 受托人动议的决定备忘录及命令》。\n\n16. 于 July 7, 2022，UST 任命受托人为债务人财产的 Chapter 11 受托人，法院于 July 8, 2022 批准了其任命。\n\n17. 债务人几乎立即提交了对受托人任命的异议、请求解除任命受托人命令的动议，以及对受托人申请聘用其所在律师事务所 Paul Hastings LLP（普衡律师事务所）作为其法律顾问的异议，由此引发诉讼。债务人为罢免受托人2并阻止其聘用法律顾问所作的所有这些尝试，均被法院于 August 2, 2022 登记的命令驳回。\n\n18. 自受托人获任命以来，委员会在 Chapter 11 案件的管理中发挥支持性作用，在管理 Chapter 11 案件时视需要与受托人协商，11 U.S.C. § 1103(a)(1)，并履行“监督者”职能。参见，例如，In re Commercial Mortgage and Finance Co., 414 B.R. 389, 400 (Bankr. N.D. Ill. 2009)（承认“债权人委员会经常履行‘监督者’职能”）。\n按项目类别汇总服务\n\n19. P&C 在费用期间提供的服务已按 Exhibit “A”所载逐项列明，并按项目类别汇总如下：\n\n2 债务人随后于 December 30, 2022 提交了罢免受托人的动议，委员会以及当然还有受托人对此提出异议；该动议于 April 5, 2023 被债务人撤回。\n\nA. 案件管理：费用：\\$9,292.00 工时：17.10\n\n20. 委员会在该项目类别中提供的众多服务包括审阅诉状、其他文件及法院命令或裁决，出席任何法院听证会，并就债务人的案件以及下列有争议事项和对抗程序与受托人或其法律顾问进行讨论：审阅月度经营报告、受托人关于修改调解程序的动议、受托人关于出售 Greenwich（格林尼治）房产的动议、受托人关于密封和解协议的动议及对此提出的异议、受托人第 17 项关于 2004 审查的综合动议及对此提出的异议、受托人关于提高 Mahwah（马瓦）宅邸支出上限的动议，以及撤销受托人送达的传票的各项动议。\n\nB. 与债权人的沟通 费用：\\$488.00 工时：.9\n\n21. 该项目类别下的服务包括就受托人出售 Sherry Netherland（谢里·内瑟兰）公寓、受托人聘用各国际法律顾问、受托人出售 Greenwich 房产、各方的临时费用申请，以及各项听证会／裁定的更新，与委员会成员进行电话会议和电子邮件通信。\n\nC. 费用及聘用申请 费用：\\$5,966.00 工时：10.80\n\n22. 该项目类别下的服务包括审阅受托人专业人员的临时费用申请和月度费用报表，并就此向委员会报告；该等专业人员包括 Paul Hastings、Neubert Pepe & Monteith（Neubert Pepe & Monteith 律师事务所）、O'Sullivan McCormack（O'Sullivan McCormack 律师事务所）、Jensen & Bliss（Jensen & Bliss 律师事务所）、Pallas Partners（Pallas Partners 律师事务所）、Kroll（Kroll）、Prager Dreiffus AG（Prager Dreiffus AG）及 Winne, Banta, Basralian & Kahn（Winne, Banta, Basralian & Kahn 律师事务所）；审阅受托人关于在 New Jersey（新泽西州）、British Virgin Islands（英属维尔京群岛）、Mauritius（毛里求斯）和 United Arab Emirates（阿拉伯联合酋长国）聘用法律顾问的各项申请；出席与该等事项有关的听证会，包括与 U.S. Trustee（美国受托人）办公室及受托人法律顾问的沟通；以及\n\n- 6 -\n\n审阅相关发票，为 Pullman & Comley, LLC（普尔曼与康利有限责任公司）作为委员会法律顾问编制第五份临时费用申请，并出席对此举行的听证会。\n\nD. DIP 融资 费用：\\$ 0 工时：0\n\n23. P&C 在本临时期间内未就该项目类别提供任何服务。\n\nE. 资产分析与追回 费用：\\$9,572.00 工时：17.40\n\n24. 该项目类别下的服务包括审阅受托人就受托人出售 Mahwah 宅邸的动议所作的更新、受托人关于以更高及更优要约为条件出售 Greenwich 房产的动议；审阅和分析多项为撤销欺诈转让请求、另我责任请求和 RICO 请求而提起的对抗诉状；审阅受托人关于中止若干撤销诉讼中证据开示程序的动议；审阅 Genever Holdings LLC（Genever Holdings 有限责任公司）关于 Sherry Netherland 公寓翻修情况的状态报告；审阅和分析被告就驳回撤销诉讼提出的动议；审阅受托人关于 2004 审查的综合动议；出席法院就上述各项动议举行的听证会；以及审阅破产法院命令和 Connecticut District Court（康涅狄格州地区法院）就此作出的命令。\n支出\n\n25. P&C 在费用期间向委员会提供法律服务时发生了 \\$256.99 的合理且必要的实际支出。该等支出包括复印费用和停车费用。\n服务估值及所请求的救济\n\n26. P&C 聘用的律师和辅助专业人员在下文详述的费用期间内，就本事项共投入 46.2 小时。该等人员所完成工作的性质已在作为 Exhibit “A”随附于本申请的明细中完整列明。上述\n\n- 7 -\n\n小时费率为提供服务时 P&C 对此类工作适用的现行小时费率。P&C 作为委员会法律顾问在费用期间提供服务的合理价值为 \\$25,318.00。\n\n27. 根据《破产法》第 330 条所列因素，鉴于 (a) 该等 Chapter 11 案件的复杂性，(b) 所投入的时间，(c) 所提供服务的性质和范围，(d) 该等服务的价值，以及 (e) 本法标题项下案件以外可比服务的成本，请求的金额公平合理。\n\n28. 这是 P&C 的第六份临时申请。P&C 未曾就其以任何身份在该等案件中已提供或将提供的服务，从任何来源获得付款或付款承诺；且除 P&C 成员外，P&C 与任何其他人士之间不存在就其在该等案件中提供服务所获报酬进行分配的协议或谅解。此前未曾就本费用期间，或就本申请所请求核准的费用和支出，向本法院或任何其他法院提出申请。\n\n29. 本申请涵盖 September 1, 2024 至 December 31, 2024 期间。P&C 已于 December 31, 2024 后提供并将继续提供额外的必要服务，P&C 将就此提交后续费用申请。\n\n30. 随附并构成本申请一部分的 Exhibit “B”是 P&C 成员 Kristin B. Mayhew, Esq（Kristin B. Mayhew 律师）根据《破产法》第 504 条提交的证明。\n\n因此，P&C 谨请求法院作出一项实质上符合随附文本的命令，规定：(a) 就 September 1, 2024 至 December 31, 2024 期间，向 P&C 临时核准：(i) 必要专业服务报酬 \\$25,318.00，及 (ii) 已发生的实际且必要费用 \\$256.99，合计 \\$25,574.99；(b) 授权并指示受托人向 P&C 支付该等款项的未付余额；以及 (c) 作出其他公正且适当的进一步救济。\n\n日期：Bridgeport, Connecticut February 21, 2025 谨此提交，\nPULLMAN & COMLEY, LLC\n\n/s/ Kristin B. Mayhew\nIrve J. Goldman, Esq. (ct02404)\nKristin B. Mayhew (ct20896)\nJonathan A. Kaplan, Esq. (ct27126)\n850 Main Street, 8th Floor\nP.O. Box 7006\nBridgeport, CT 06601-7006\n电话：(203) 330-2213\n传真：(203) 576-8888\n电子邮件：[jgoldman@pullcom.com]\n[kmayhew@pullcom.com]\n[jkaplan@pullcom.com]\n\n无担保债权人官方委员会法律顾问","key_entities":["Je","Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Guo","Paul Hastings","Despins","Miles Guo","CIPA","RICO"],"ecf_references":[{"doc_number":3644,"court":"CTB"}],"word_count":3604,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 18:23:32"}