{"id":"court_ctb_4454_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":4454,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":null,"title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION In re Chapter 11","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n**In re Chapter 11**\n\n**HO WAN KWOK, ET AL,[1](#page-0-0) Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)**\n\n**Debtors. Jointly Administered**\n\n### **MOTION OF UNITED STATES TRUSTEE FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT FEE EXAMINER**\n\n**\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_**\n\nPursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 586 and 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a) and 330, William K. Harrington, the United States Trustee for Region 2 (\"United States Trustee\"), respectfully moves for an order authorizing the appointment of an Independent Fee Examiner and for related modifications to the Court's Order Establishing Procedures for Interim Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Retained Professionals entered at ECF 2094 (\"Interim Compensation Order\"). In support thereof, the United States Trustee states as follows:\n\n### **PRELIMINARY STATEMENT**\n\nThe United States Trustee respectfully requests that the Court authorize the appointment of an Independent Fee Examiner to provide substantive analysis of the fee requests filed by the almost two dozen professionals whose retention has been authorized by the Court, as well as future retained professionals. Given the worldwide scope and complexity of these chapter 11 cases and the number of retained professionals who are applying to the Court for compensation, scrutiny of professional fees is especially challenging. To meet these challenges and to ensure that all professional fee requests meet applicable Bankruptcy Code requirements, the Court should authorize the appointment of a fee\n\n<span id=\"page-0-0\"></span><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; case number 22-50073), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202; case number 22-50592) and Genever Holdings Corporation (case number 22-50542).\n\nexaminer. Additionally, because of the public awareness of these chapter 11 cases, such an appointment will also help ensure public confidence in the Bankruptcy System.\n\nLuc A. Despins, the Chapter 11 Trustee of the estate of the Individual Estate (defined *infra*), and the United States Trustee have conferred regarding the benefits and appropriateness of an Independent Fee Examiner. At this juncture in the cases, and given the number of professionals involved, the United States Trustee and the Chapter 11 Trustee believe the installation of an Independent Fee Examiner is in the overall best interests of the estates and their creditors.\n\n### **BACKGROUND**\n\n### **General Background**\n\n1. On February 15, 2022, Ho Wan Kwok a/k/a Wengui Guo a/k/a Miles Guo a/k/a Miles Kwok (\"Individual Debtor\" and/or \"Kwok\")[2](#page-1-0) filed a voluntary chapter 11 petition (\"Petition\"). ECF 1.\n\n2. On March 19, 2022, the United States Trustee filed a motion seeking an order directing the appointment of an examiner or, in the alternative, a chapter 11 trustee in the case of the Individual Debtor (\"UST Examiner/Trustee Motion\"). ECF 102.\n\n3. On March 21, 2022, the United States Trustee appointed an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the case of the Individual Debtor (\"Committee\") in this case. ECF 108.\n\n4. On June 15, 2022, the Court entered a memorandum of decision and order directing the United States Trustee to appoint a disinterested trustee in the Individual Debtor's case (\"Trustee Order\"). ECF 465. Pursuant to the Trustee Order, the United States Trustee appointed Luc A. Despins of Paul Hastings LLP as the chapter 11 trustee of the Debtor's estate. ECF 514.\n\n<span id=\"page-1-0\"></span><sup>2</sup> The Debtor is also known by multiple other aliases.\n\n5. On July 8, 2022, the Court approved the appointment of Luc A. Despins of Paul Hastings LLP as the chapter 11 trustee of the Individual Debtor's case (\"Chapter 11 Trustee\"). ECF 523.\n\n6. Years before the commencement of the Individual Debtor's case, on October 12, 2020, an entity connected to the Individual Debtor known as Genever Holdings, LLC (\"Genever US\") filed a voluntary chapter 11 case in the Southern District of New York. *See* Case No. 20-12411 (JLG) (\"Genever US SDNY Case\").\n\n7. By order dated November 3, 2022, the Genever US SDNY Case was transferred to this Court and assigned Case No. 22-50592.\n\n8. Additionally, after the appointment of the Chapter 11 Trustee, an affiliated entity Genever Holdings Corporation (\"Genever BVI\") commenced a voluntary chapter 11 petition in this Court on October 11, 2022 (\"Genever BVI Case\"). *See* Case No. 22-50542.\n\n9. Pursuant to an order of this Court entered on November 21, 2022, the chapter 11 cases of the Individual Debtor, Genever US and Genever BVI are being jointly administered under the docket of the Individual Debtor's case (\"Main Case\") for procedural purposes only pursuant to Rule 1015(b) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. ECF 1141.\n\n- 10. On August 18, 2023, the Court entered the Interim Compensation Order. ECF 2094.\n- 11. To date, the Court has approved the employment of the following professionals:\n\t- a. Paul Hastings, LLP, lead counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee\n\t- b. Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C., Connecticut counsel and conflicts counsel to the Trustee and counsel to Genever US and Genever BVI;\n\t- c. Eisner Amper, accountant to the Chapter 11 Trustee;\n\t- d. O'Sullivan, McCormick, Jensen & Bliss, special counsel to Genever US (successor counsel to Saxe Doernberger & Vita);\n\t- e. Harney Westwood & Riegels, LP, special counsel in the British Virgin Islands (\"BVI\");\n- f. James Morgan KC, barrister in BVI;\n- g. Prager Dreifuss AG, special counsel in Switzerland;\n- h. Marxer & Partner Rechtsanwalte, special counsel in Lichtenstein;\n- i. Pallas Partners, LLP, solicitors in United Kingdom (\"UK\");\n- j. Paul Shaw barristers in UK;\n- k. Kroll, LLC, forensic investigator;\n- l. Chryssafinis & Polyviou, LLC, special counsel in Cyprus;\n- m. ENSafrica (Mauritius), special counsel in the Republic of Mauritius (\"Mauritius\");\n- n. Mr. Patrice Doger de Speville and William de Robillard, barristers in Mauritius;\n- o. Kobre & Kim (GCC), LLP, special counsel in United Arab Emirates (\"UAE\");\n- p. Hadef & Partners, special counsel in UAE;\n- q. Winne, Banta, Basralian & Kahn, PC, special real estate counsel in New Jersey;\n- r. Epic Corporate Restructuring, LLC, claims/noticing agent;\n- s. Sage-Popovich, Inc., repossession agent;\n- t. Hamilton Group, LLC, auctioneer;\n- u. Pullman & Comley, lead counsel to the Committee;\n- v. Dundon Advisers, LLC, financial advisor to the Committee; and\n- w. Coleman Worldwide Advisors, LLC, fraud investigation consultant to the Committee.\n- 12. Based upon the fee applications approved to date which cover fees billed through\n\nDecember 2024, [3](#page-3-0) professional compensation awarded in these chapter 11 cases totals approximately\n\n\\$57.8 million. *See* fee applications filed in January/February 2025 and corresponding orders on same at\n\n<span id=\"page-3-0\"></span><sup>3</sup> With the exception of (a) Paul Hastings, LLP which has billed through November 2024, and (b) EPIQ which has billed through April 2024 (and which, due to the small amount of fees, is filing interim fee applications on an annual basis).\n\nthe following docket entries: ECF 4157 and order at ECF 4821, ECF 4159 and order at ECF 4282, ECF 4149 and order at ECF 4256, ECF 4148 and order at ECF 4255, ECF 4154 and order at ECF 4280, ECF 4156 and order at ECF 4261, ECF 4018 and order at ECF 4181, ECF 4151 and order at ECF 4279, ECF 4152 and order at ECF 4258, ECF 4150 and order at ECF 4257, ECF 3653 and order at ECF 3930, ECF 4153 and order at ECF 4259, ECF 4155 and order at ECF 4260, ECF 4158 and order at ECF 4262, ECF 3284 and order at ECF 3358, and ECF 4144 and order at ECF 4254; and order on final application of Saxe Doernberger & Vita at ECF 2236.\n\n13. To date, the docket in the Main Case reflects over 4400 entries.\n\n14. To date, well over 300 adversary proceedings have been filed, the majority of which remain pending.\n\n15. In light of the current and future posture of these cases, the United States Trustee and the Chapter 11 Trustee have discussed the appropriateness and benefits of an independent fee examiner. The Independent Fee Examiner's role would be prospective and commence with future compensation requests filed with the Court on or after the entry of an order approving this Motion. The United States Trustee and the Chapter 11 Trustee jointly propose the selection of David M. Klauder, Esq. as the Independent Fee Examiner.\n\n### **AUTHORITY FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT FEE EXAMINER**\n\nSection 330(a)(3) of Title 11 sets forth the standards for authorizing compensation to professionals retained in bankruptcy cases:\n\nIn determining the amount of reasonable compensation to be awarded ... the court shall consider the nature, the extent, and the value of such services, taking into account all factors, including–\n\n- (A) the time spent on such services;\n- (B) the rates charged for such services;\n- (C) whether the services were necessary to the administration of, or beneficial at the time at which the service was rendered toward the completion of, a case under this title;\n- (D) whether the services were performed within a reasonable amount of time commensurate with the complexity, importance, and nature of the problem, issue, or task addressed;\n- (E) with respect to a professional person, whether the person … has demonstrated skill and experience in the bankruptcy field; and\n- (F) whether the compensation is reasonable based on the customary compensation charged by comparably skilled practitioners in cases other than cases under this title.\n\n11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(3). It is the Court's responsibility to review applications for compensation and reimbursement of expenses and to enter appropriate Orders on the fee applications. The United States Trustee is also charged with reviewing fee applications and commenting when appropriate. 28 U.S.C. § 586(a)(3)(A).\n\nIn complex cases, a number of bankruptcy courts have appointed independent fee examiners pursuant to Section 105 of the Bankruptcy Code. The role of a fee examiner is different from that of an examiner appointed under 11 U.S.C. § 1104(c) who is charged with conducting \"an investigation of the debtor as is appropriate.\" 11 U.S.C. § 1104; *see also In re Collins & Aikman Corp.*, 368 B.R. 623, 625- 627 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 2007).\n\nFee examiners or fee review committees have been appointed in many significant and complex bankruptcy cases, including, but not limited to, *Sears Holdings Corp.*, ECF 3307, Case No. 18-23538 rdd (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), *Energy Future Holdings*, ECF 1896, Case No. 14-10979-CSS (Bankr. Del.), *Budd Company*, ECF 346, Case No. 14- 11873-JBS (Bankr. N.D.Ill.), *Lehman Brothers Holdings*, ECF 3651, Case No. 08-13555- scc (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), *Motors Liquidation (f/k/a General Motors)*, ECF 4708, Case No. 09-50026-reg (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), *AMR Corp.*, ECF 2897, Case No. 11-15463-shl (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), *Exide Technologies*, ECF 1283, Case No. 13-11482-KJC (Bankr. Del.), and *Mineral* *Park*, Docket No. 274, Case No. 14-11996-KJC (Bankr. Del.).\n\nThe Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and guidelines issued by the\n\nbankruptcy courts and the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees impose fairly rigorous and detailed\n\ntimekeeping and reporting standards on professionals.\n\nEven with electronic data and filing now widely in use, those detailed reporting requirements impose a significant burden on the courts: daily narrative time records for hundreds and, in some proceedings, thousands of timekeepers fill thousands of pages and hundreds of thousands of lines. On occasion, usually by stipulation, the bankruptcy courts have utilized fee auditors, fee examiners, and fee committees to provide quantitative and qualitative analysis and recommendations.\n\n*Baker Botts L.L.P*. v. *Asarco, LLC*, 2014 WL 6984132 (Supreme Court December 10, 2014) (*Amicus Brief of Neutral Fee Examiners Supporting Neither Party*).\n\n### **ARGUMENT**\n\n### **A. The Court Should Authorize the Appointment of an Independent Fee Examiner.**\n\nGiven the size and complexity of these chapter 11 cases, the United States Trustee requests that theCourt authorize the appointment of an Independent Fee Examiner to review and report on as appropriate the monthly invoices submitted in accordance with the Interim Compensation Order and all interim and final applications for allowance of compensation and reimbursement of expenses filed by professionals retained under sections 105, 327, or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code, or similar authority (collectively, the \"Retained Professionals\"), in accordance with sections 328, 330, and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code and the Interim Compensation Order (collectively, the \"Applications\").\n\nThe appointment of a fee examiner will promote consistency, predictability, and transparency when the Retained Professionals file their Applications. The fee examiner's role would be prospective and commence with future compensation requests that are filed with the Court on or after entry of an order on this Motion. In addition, all parties will maintain their rights to review and contest any of the Applications. The United States Trustee and the Chapter 11 Trustee have conferred and jointly propose\n\nthe selection of David M. Klauder, Esq. as the Independent Fee Examiner.\n\n## **B. Duties of Independent Fee Examiner**\n\nThe United States Trustee requests that any Order authorizing the appointment of an Independent\n\nFee Examiner impose upon the Independent Fee Examiner the duty to review and assess all Applications\n\nfiled by Retained Professionals, and the fees and reimbursement of expenses for which allowance is sought\n\npursuant to the Applications, for compliance with the following:\n\n- a. Bankruptcy Code Sections 328, 329, 330, and 331, as applicable;\n- b. Rule 2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure;\n- c. The Monthly Compensation Order;\n- d. Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1; and\n- e. United States Trustee Guidelines for Reviewing Applications for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses, 28 C.F.R. Part 58, Appendix A.\n\n# **C. Authority of Independent Fee Examiner**\n\nThe United States Trustee also requests that any Court Order appointing an Independent Fee Examiner also authorize the Fee Examiner to:\n\n- a. File comments on the public docket of the Court regarding any Application by a Retained Professional;\n- b. Communicate his concerns regarding any Application to the Retained Professionals to whom such Application pertains, and to request further information as appropriate;\n- c. Request Retained Professionals to provide budgets, staffing plans, or other information to the Independent Fee Examiner;\n- d. Establish procedures for the resolution of disputes with Retained Professionals;\n- e. Recommend procedures to facilitate the preparation and review of Applications;\n- f. Appear and be heard on any matter before the Court;\n- g. File and litigate objections to the allowance of any Application;\n- h. Take, defend, or appear in any appeal regarding an Application;\n- i. Conduct discovery; and\n- j. Retain, subject to Court approval, professionals (including attorneys and auditors) to represent or assist the Independent Fee Examiner in connection with any of the foregoing.\n\nThe United States Trustee further requests that any Order appointing an Independent Fee Examiner provide that the Chapter 11 Trustee, Genever US, Genever BVI, the Committee, the United States Trustee, and all Retained Professionals shall cooperate with the Independent Fee Examiner in the discharge of the Independent Fee Examiner's duties and shall promptly respond to any reasonable requests for information or communications from the Independent Fee Examiner.\n\n### **D. Compensation of Fee Examiner**\n\nThe United States Trustee requeststhat any Order appointing an Independent Fee Examiner provide that the Fee Examiner and any Professionals retained by the Independent Fee Examiner shall be entitled to reasonable compensation from the estate for their reasonable fees and expenses. Any such requests for compensation shall be made by application to the Court and shall be allowed according to the same standards and procedures that apply to Retained Professionals.\n\n### **E. Immunity of Independent Fee Examiner**\n\nFinally, the United States Trustee requests that any Order authorizing the appointment of an Independent Fee Examiner provide that the Independent Fee Examiner is appointed as an Officer of the Court with respect to the performance of the duties set forth herein and given immunity permitted by law from civil actions for all acts taken or omitted in the performance of his duties.\n\n### **F. Proposed Modifications To The Interim Compensation Order**\n\nShould the Court find that the appointment of an Independent Fee Examiner is warranted under the circumstances, the United States Trustee requests entry of an Order modifying the existing Interim Compensation Order. A proposed modified Order is submitted herewith.\n\nWHEREFORE, the United States Trustee respectfully requests that the Court consider the foregoing, and authorize the appointment of an Independent Fee Examiner subject to the terms herein, and grant such further relief as may be just.\n\nDated: May 30, 2025 Respectfully submitted, New Haven, Connecticut\n\nWILLIAM K. HARRINGTON UNITED STATES TRUSTEE FOR REGION 2\n\nBy: /s/ Holley L. Claiborn Holley L. Claiborn Trial Attorney Office of the United States Trustee Giaimo Federal Building, Room 302 150 Court Street New Haven, CT 06510 Holley.L.Claiborn@usdoj.gov (203) 773-2210 Federal Bar No.: ct17216 (Connecticut)\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n**In re Chapter 11**\n\n**HO WAN KWOK, ET AL, Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)**\n\n**Debtors.[1](#page-10-0) Jointly Administered**\n\n# *PROPOSED*\n\n**\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_**\n\n# **ORDER AUTHORIZING INDEPENDENT FEE EXAMINER PURSUANT TO 11 U.S.C. § 105(a) AND 330 AND MODIFYING INTERIM COMPENSATION PROCEDURES FOR RETAINED PROFESSIONALS**\n\nUpon consideration of the Motion for the Appointment of an Independent Fee Examiner pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a) and 330 and for Modification of Order Authorizing Procedures for Interim Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Retained Professionals (the \"Fee Examiner Motion\") and the Order Authorizing Procedures for Interim Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Retained Professionals (\"Interim Compensation Order\") [ECF 2094] (the \"Interim Compensation Order\") entered by the Court in these cases; upon further consideration that the size and complexity of these jointly administered Chapter 11 cases has featured, and will continue to feature, the filing of numerous, lengthy and complex professional fee applications; and upon the Court's conclusion that the appointment of a fee examiner under Bankruptcy Code § 105 appears to be in the best interests of the chapter 11 debtors, their estates and creditors, and other parties-in-interest,\n\n### IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:\n\n1. The United States Trustee, after consultation with Chapter 11 Trustee Luc A. Despins\n\n<span id=\"page-10-0\"></span><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; case number 22-50073) (\"Individual Debtor\"), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202; case number 22-50592) (\"Genever US\") and Genever Holdings Corporation (case number 22-50542) (\"Genever BVI\").\n\n(\"Chapter 11 Trustee\") and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (\"Committee\"), shall appoint a disinterested person to serve as independent fee examiner (the \"Fee Examiner\") in these cases, subject to the terms and conditions of this order and subject to the terms and conditions of the Interim Compensation Order, as modified herein.\n\n2. In the performance of his duties and powers as provided in this Order, the Fee Examiner shall enjoy the maximum immunity permitted by law from all manner of claims, demands, suits, or civil actions for all acts taken or omitted by him. Any and all claims, demands, suits, or civil actions not brought or asserted against the Fee Examiner prior to the thirtieth (30th) calendar day after entry of an order determining the last final fee application in these cases pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 330 shall be barred forever and discharged, and all persons and entities shall be enjoined from prosecuting such claims in any manner thereafter.\n\n3. The Fee Examiner may retain attorneys and other professionals, assistants, or consultants to the extent he deems it necessary to discharge his duties. The Fee Examiner's retention of professionals shall be subject to Court approval under standards equivalent to 11 U.S.C. § 327, after notice and opportunity for hearing pursuant to Local Rules of this Court.\n\n4. The fees and expenses of the Fee Examiner shall be subject to application and review pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 330 and shall be paid from the Debtors' estates as an expense of administration under 11 U.S.C. § 503(b)(2) and in accordance with the procedures in the Interim Compensation Order. The Fee Examiner's compensation shall not be contingent or dependent on any element of success or result. The Fee Examiner's fees and expenses shall be subject to the information detail requirements set forth in Local Rule 2016-1 and the applicable United States Trustee Appendix A Guidelines for Compensation.\n\n12\n\n5. Except as otherwise provided herein, the scope of the Fee Examiner's duties and responsibilities shall encompass all monthly fee requests, interim applications, and final applications submitted after the effective date of this Order by (1) any and all professionals in these cases requesting compensation and/or reimbursement of expenses on an interim basis pursuant to Bankruptcy Code §§ 327, 330, 331, or 1103, and where applicable §363 (collectively, the \"Retained Professionals\"). Unless the Court orders otherwise, the scope of the Fee Examiner's duties and responsibilities shall not extend to (1) any requests for compensation submitted pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §§ 503(b)(3) or 503(b)(4), and/or for making a substantial contribution to these Chapter 11 cases, or (2) any applications for interim compensation made pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §331 that were filed before the effective date of this Order, provided that the Fee Examiner may review such interim applications for the purpose of performing his duties and responsibilities with regard to any final applications for compensation and reimbursement of expenses submitted pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 330.\n\n6. Except as provided in Paragraph 5 above, the Fee Examiner shall review and assess all fee and expense applications filed by Retained Professionals, and the fees and reimbursement of expenses for which allowance is sought pursuant to the fee applications, for compliance with (1) Sections 328, 329, 330 and 331 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as applicable, (2) Rule 2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, (3) the Interim Compensation Order (as amended herein); and (4) Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1 and the applicable Guidelines for Compensation. The Fee Examiner is further authorized and shall have standing before the Court:\n\n- A. to review and comment on applications for interim compensation and final fee applications;\n- B. to prepare summaries and reports for the Court to aid in the review and approval of interim and final fee applications, which may include such matters as the efficiency and reasonableness of staffing and expenses and the appropriateness of periodic increases in hourly rates;\n- C. to require applicants for compensation to provide him such supplemental information as he may reasonably require in order to evaluate the reasonableness of any particular fee item; provided, however, that nothing herein shall require a Retained Professional to provide any information that would disclose privileged information, work product or anything (including potential strategies) that in the Retained Professional's reasonable discretion could be damaging or prejudicial to its clients; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that a professional's general discussion of projects and tasks without reference to confidential details shall not be considered a waiver of any privilege or discovery immunity;\n- D. to object to the allowance of fees or expenses sought by any Retained Professional in a fee application on the same grounds as any party in interest in this case, including based on the reasonableness standard provided in Bankruptcy Code § 330;\n- E. to appear, file and litigate such objections to interim and final applications as he may deem appropriate; and\n- F. to conduct such discovery as may be pertinent and necessary to the performance of his other duties and responsibilities after first securing approval of this Court, which may be granted only upon notice to all interested parties and opportunity for hearing, and the Court retains exclusive jurisdiction over all matters relating to such discovery.\n\nNotwithstanding these enumerated powers, the Fee Examiner shall have no role in evaluating or judging the legal or factual merits of any papers filed or positions taken by parties in interest or their Retained Professionals, but this restriction shall not limit the ability of the Fee Examiner to consider the factors set forth in 11 U.S.C. §§ 330(a)(3)(C) and (D) in his evaluation of applications for compensation and reimbursement of expenses.\n\n7. Debtor Genever US, Debtor Genever BVI, the Chapter 11 Trustee, the Committee, and\n\nall Retained Professionals (including attorneys, financial advisors, auditors, claims consultants and others) shall cooperate with the Fee Examiner in the discharge of the Fee Examiner's duties and shall, subject to the qualification set forth in Paragraph 6.C above with respect to privileged matters or work product, promptly respond to any reasonable request for information from the Fee Examiner.\n\n8. Nothing contained herein shall affect the right, if any, of any party in interest in these cases to object or otherwise respond to any interim fee application or monthly request for compensation and reimbursement of expenses, including those of the Fee Examiner. Nothing herein shall affect any party's right to request a waiver of the requirements of Local Rule 2016-1 or the applicable Guidelines for Compensation and the requirements under 11 U.S.C. § 330, to the extent they apply.\n\n9. Any communication between the Fee Examiner (or any agent thereof) and any Notice Party (or any agent thereof) that pertains to the fees or expenses of any Retained Professional of another Notice Party itself shall be in writing and copies thereof shall be sent to the Retained Professional whose fees or expenses are the subject of such communication, at the same time and by the same means as the communication between the Fee Examiner or the Notice Party.\n\n10. The Notice Parties, as defined in the Interim Compensation Order, as amended by this Order, are authorized and empowered to take any and all actions necessary to implement and effectuate the terms of this Order, but only to the extent such actions are not inconsistent with the express terms of the Order.\n\n11. The Interim Compensation Order is hereby modified as follows:\n\nA. The Fee Examiner to be appointed by the United States Trustee is designated as an additional Notice Party entitled to receive monthly statements, and provide objections if appropriate, under the Compensation Procedures set forth in the Interim Compensation Order.\n\nB. Each Monthly Statement and Fee Application shall include detail containing the time entries and the expense items in searchable Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format or other searchable electronic format as may be reasonably requested (such as Excel or Microsoft Word or LEDES).\n\n12. The terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and\n\nenforceable upon its entry, and shall remain in effect unless and until the Court orders otherwise.\n\nThe Court retains jurisdiction to enforce, modify or vacate this Order after hearing upon not less than ten\n\n(10) days' notice to the Fee Examiner, Debtor Genever US, Debtor Genever BVI, the Chapter 11\n\nTrustee, the Committee, and the United States Trustee. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Order to\n\nthe contrary, the Court retains ultimate authority to determine whether fees and expenses requested by any Retained Professional are necessary and reasonable under 11 U.S.C. § 330.","body_zh":"美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院 布里奇波特分院\n\n关于 第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人[1]　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　合并管理\n美国受托人请求发布命令授权任命独立费用审查员的动议\n\n________________________________________________________________________________\n\n根据 28 U.S.C. § 586 及 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a) 和 330，第2区美国受托人 William K. Harrington（以下简称“美国受托人”）谨请求本院发布命令，授权任命一名独立费用审查员，并对本院于 ECF 2094 登载的《关于为受聘专业人士确立中期报酬及费用偿还程序的命令》（以下简称“中期报酬命令”）作出相关修改。为支持本动议，美国受托人陈述如下：\n\n初步陈述\n\n美国受托人谨请求本院授权任命一名独立费用审查员，就本院已授权聘用的近二十余名专业人士以及未来受聘专业人士提交的费用请求进行实质性分析。鉴于这些第11章案件的全球范围及复杂性，以及向本院申请报酬的受聘专业人士数量，审查专业服务费用尤具挑战性。为应对这些挑战并确保所有专业服务费用请求符合适用的《破产法典》要求，本院应授权任命一名费用审查员。\n\n1. 本第11章案件的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵，亦称 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595；案号 22-50073）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号码后四位：8202；案号 22-50592）及 Genever Holdings Corporation（案号 22-50542）。\n\n此外，鉴于公众对本第11章案件的关注，此类任命亦将有助于确保公众对破产制度的信心。\n\n个人财产（定义见下文）的第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins 与美国受托人已就独立费用审查员的益处及适当性进行了协商。鉴于案件目前所处阶段及所涉专业人士数量，美国受托人与第11章受托人认为，设置一名独立费用审查员符合各项财产及其债权人的整体最佳利益。\n\n背景\n\n一般背景\n\n1. 2022年2月15日，Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵），又名 Wengui Guo、Miles Guo 及 Miles Kwok（以下简称“个人债务人”和/或“郭文贵”）[2]，提交了自愿第11章破产申请（以下简称“申请”）。ECF 1。\n\n2. 2022年3月19日，美国受托人提交动议，请求发布命令，指示在个人债务人案件中任命审查员，或作为替代方案任命一名第11章受托人（以下简称“美国受托人审查员/受托人动议”）。ECF 102。\n\n3. 2022年3月21日，美国受托人在本案个人债务人案件中任命了一个无担保债权人官方委员会（以下简称“委员会”）。ECF 108。\n\n4. 2022年6月15日，本院作出决定备忘录及命令，指示美国受托人在个人债务人案件中任命一名无利害关系受托人（以下简称“受托人命令”）。ECF 465。根据受托人命令，美国受托人任命 Paul Hastings LLP 的 Luc A. Despins 为债务人财产的第11章受托人。ECF 514。\n\n2. 该债务人亦有多个其他别名。\n\n5. 2022年7月8日，本院批准任命 Paul Hastings LLP 的 Luc A. Despins 为个人债务人案件的第11章受托人（以下简称“第11章受托人”）。ECF 523。\n\n6. 在个人债务人案件启动前数年，即 2020年10月12日，与个人债务人有关联的实体 Genever Holdings, LLC（以下简称“Genever US”）在 Southern District of New York（纽约南区）提交了一宗自愿第11章案件。见案号 20-12411 (JLG)（以下简称“Genever US 纽约南区案件”）。\n\n7. 根据日期为 2022年11月3日的命令，Genever US 纽约南区案件被移送至本院，并分配案号 22-50592。\n\n8. 此外，在任命第11章受托人后，关联实体 Genever Holdings Corporation（以下简称“Genever BVI”）于 2022年10月11日在本院启动了一项自愿第11章破产申请（以下简称“Genever BVI 案件”）。见案号 22-50542。\n\n9. 根据本院于 2022年11月21日作出的命令，个人债务人、Genever US 及 Genever BVI 的第11章案件，仅为程序目的，依照《联邦破产程序规则》第1015(b)条，在个人债务人案件的案卷（以下简称“主案”）下合并管理。ECF 1141。\n\n10. 2023年8月18日，本院作出中期报酬命令。ECF 2094。\n\n11. 截至目前，本院已批准聘用下列专业人士：\na. Paul Hastings, LLP，第11章受托人的主办律师；\nb. Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.，受托人的康涅狄格州律师及利益冲突律师，以及 Genever US 和 Genever BVI 的律师；\nc. Eisner Amper，第11章受托人的会计师；\nd. O'Sullivan, McCormick, Jensen & Bliss，Genever US 的特别律师（Saxe Doernberger & Vita 的继任律师）；\ne. Harney Westwood & Riegels, LP，British Virgin Islands（英属维尔京群岛，以下简称“BVI”）的特别律师；\nf. James Morgan KC，BVI 的出庭律师；\ng. Prager Dreifuss AG，瑞士的特别律师；\nh. Marxer & Partner Rechtsanwalte，列支敦士登的特别律师；\ni. Pallas Partners, LLP，United Kingdom（英国，以下简称“UK”）的事务律师；\nj. Paul Shaw，UK 的出庭律师；\nk. Kroll, LLC，法证调查员；\nl. Chryssafinis & Polyviou, LLC，塞浦路斯的特别律师；\nm. ENSafrica (Mauritius)，Republic of Mauritius（毛里求斯共和国，以下简称“毛里求斯”）的特别律师；\nn. Patrice Doger de Speville 先生及 William de Robillard，毛里求斯的出庭律师；\no. Kobre & Kim (GCC), LLP，United Arab Emirates（阿拉伯联合酋长国，以下简称“UAE”）的特别律师；\np. Hadef & Partners，UAE 的特别律师；\nq. Winne, Banta, Basralian & Kahn, PC，新泽西州不动产特别律师；\nr. Epic Corporate Restructuring, LLC，债权/通知代理人；\ns. Sage-Popovich, Inc.，收回代理人；\nt. Hamilton Group, LLC，拍卖师；\nu. Pullman & Comley，委员会的主办律师；\nv. Dundon Advisers, LLC，委员会的财务顾问；以及\nw. Coleman Worldwide Advisors, LLC，委员会的欺诈调查顾问。\n\n12. 根据截至目前已获批准、涵盖截至\n\n2024年12月所计费用的费用申请，[3]本第11章案件中裁定的专业人士报酬总额约为\n\n$57.8 million。见于 2025年1月/2月提交的费用申请及相应命令，载于\n\n3. 但以下情况除外：(a) Paul Hastings, LLP 已计费至 2024年11月；及 (b) EPIQ 已计费至 2024年4月（因费用金额较小，其按年度提交中期费用申请）。\n\n下列案卷条目：ECF 4157 及 ECF 4821 所载命令，ECF 4159 及 ECF 4282 所载命令，ECF 4149 及 ECF 4256 所载命令，ECF 4148 及 ECF 4255 所载命令，ECF 4154 及 ECF 4280 所载命令，ECF 4156 及 ECF 4261 所载命令，ECF 4018 及 ECF 4181 所载命令，ECF 4151 及 ECF 4279 所载命令，ECF 4152 及 ECF 4258 所载命令，ECF 4150 及 ECF 4257 所载命令，ECF 3653 及 ECF 3930 所载命令，ECF 4153 及 ECF 4259 所载命令，ECF 4155 及 ECF 4260 所载命令，ECF 4158 及 ECF 4262 所载命令，ECF 3284 及 ECF 3358 所载命令，以及 ECF 4144 及 ECF 4254 所载命令；以及 ECF 2236 所载关于 Saxe Doernberger & Vita 最终申请的命令。\n\n13. 截至目前，主案案卷显示有超过 4400 项条目。\n\n14. 截至目前，已提起远超 300 宗对抗程序，其中大多数仍在审理中。\n\n15. 鉴于这些案件目前及未来的态势，美国受托人与第11章受托人已讨论独立费用审查员的适当性及益处。独立费用审查员的职责将具有前瞻性，并自批准本动议的命令作出之日或之后向本院提交的未来报酬请求开始。美国受托人与第11章受托人共同提议选定 David M. Klauder, Esq. 为独立费用审查员。\n\n任命独立费用审查员的法律依据\n\n《美国法典》第11编第330(a)(3)条规定了授权向破产案件中受聘专业人士支付报酬的标准：\n\n在确定应裁定的合理报酬数额时……法院应考虑该等服务的性质、范围和价值，并考虑所有因素，包括—\n\n（A）该等服务所花费的时间；\n（B）该等服务收取的费率；\n（C）该等服务对于管理本编项下案件是否必要，或在服务提供时是否有助于完成该案件；\n（D）鉴于所处理问题、争议或任务的复杂性、重要性和性质，该等服务是否在合理时间内完成；\n（E）就专业人士而言，该人士……是否已展现破产领域的技能和经验；以及\n（F）与在非本编项下案件中由具有可比技能的执业人员收取的惯常报酬相比，该报酬是否合理。\n\n11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(3)。审查报酬及费用偿还申请并就费用申请作出适当命令，是本院的职责。美国受托人亦负责审查费用申请，并在适当情况下发表意见。28 U.S.C. § 586(a)(3)(A)。\n\n在复杂案件中，若干破产法院已根据《破产法典》第105条任命独立费用审查员。费用审查员的职责不同于根据 11 U.S.C. § 1104(c) 任命的审查员；后者负责进行“适合的对债务人的调查”。11 U.S.C. § 1104；另见 In re Collins & Aikman Corp., 368 B.R. 623, 625- 627 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 2007)。\n\n在许多重大且复杂的破产案件中，均已任命费用审查员或费用审查委员会，包括但不限于 Sears Holdings Corp., ECF 3307, Case No. 18-23538 rdd (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), Energy Future Holdings, ECF 1896, Case No. 14-10979-CSS (Bankr. Del.), Budd Company, ECF 346, Case No. 14- 11873-JBS (Bankr. N.D.Ill.), Lehman Brothers Holdings, ECF 3651, Case No. 08-13555- scc (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), Motors Liquidation（原名 General Motors）, ECF 4708, Case No. 09-50026-reg (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), AMR Corp., ECF 2897, Case No. 11-15463-shl (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), Exide Technologies, ECF 1283, Case No. 13-11482-KJC (Bankr. Del.), 以及 Mineral Park, Docket No. 274, Case No. 14-11996-KJC (Bankr. Del.)。\n\n《破产法典》、《联邦破产程序规则》以及\n\n破产法院和美国受托人执行办公室发布的指引，对专业人士施加了相当严格和详尽的\n\n工时记录及报告标准。\n\n即使电子数据和电子提交现已被广泛使用，这些详尽的报告要求仍给法院造成重大负担：数百名、且在某些程序中数千名工时记录人员的每日叙述性工时记录，占据数千页和数十万行。破产法院有时，通常经由约定，会利用费用审计员、费用审查员和费用委员会提供定量及定性分析和建议。\n\nBaker Botts L.L.P.（贝克博茨律师事务所）诉 Asarco, LLC（阿萨科有限责任公司）, 2014 WL 6984132 (Supreme Court（美国联邦最高法院） December 10, 2014)（中立费用审查员提交的、不支持任何一方当事人的法院之友陈述）。\n\n论证\n\nA. 法院应授权任命独立费用审查员。\n\n鉴于这些第11章案件的规模和复杂性，美国受托人请求法院授权任命一名独立费用审查员，以审查并在适当情况下就根据临时报酬命令提交的月度发票，以及根据《破产法典》第105、327或1103条或类似授权聘任的专业人士（统称“受聘专业人士”）依照《破产法典》第328、330及331条和临时报酬命令提交的所有临时报酬许可及费用偿还申请和最终报酬许可及费用偿还申请（统称“申请”）进行报告。\n\n任命费用审查员将促进受聘专业人士提交其申请时的一致性、可预测性和透明度。费用审查员的职责将具有前瞻性，并自本动议裁定录入之日或之后向法院提交的未来报酬请求开始。在此之外，所有当事人均将保留审查和对任何申请提出异议的权利。美国受托人与第11章受托人已进行协商，并共同提议\n\n选定 David M. Klauder, Esq.（大卫·M·克劳德律师）担任独立费用审查员。\n\nB. 独立费用审查员的职责\n\n美国受托人请求，任何授权任命独立\n\n费用审查员的裁定均应赋予独立费用审查员审查和评估受聘专业人士提交的所有申请，以及根据该等申请请求许可的报酬和费用偿还是否符合以下规定的职责：\n\na. 适用的《破产法典》第328、329、330及331条；\n\nb. 《联邦破产程序规则》第2016条；\n\nc. 月度报酬命令；\n\nd. 地方破产规则第2016-1条；以及\n\ne. 《美国受托人审查报酬及费用偿还申请指南》，28 C.F.R. Part 58, Appendix A。\n\nC. 独立费用审查员的权限\n\n美国受托人还请求，任何任命独立费用审查员的法院裁定还应授权费用审查员：\n\na. 就受聘专业人士的任何申请在法院公开案卷上提交意见；\n\nb. 就任何申请向该申请所涉的受聘专业人士传达其关切，并在适当情况下请求进一步信息；\n\nc. 要求受聘专业人士向独立费用审查员提供预算、人员配置计划或其他信息；\n\nd. 制定与受聘专业人士解决争议的程序；\n\ne. 建议促进申请编制和审查的程序；\n\nf. 就法院审理的任何事项出庭并陈述意见；\n\ng. 对任何申请的许可提出并诉讼抗辩；\n\nh. 就有关申请的任何上诉采取行动、进行抗辩或出庭；\n\ni. 进行证据开示；以及\n\nj. 经法院批准，聘任专业人士（包括律师和审计师），以在与前述任何事项相关的情况下代表或协助独立费用审查员。\n\n美国受托人进一步请求，任何任命独立费用审查员的裁定应规定，第11章受托人、Genever US、Genever BVI、委员会、美国受托人及所有受聘专业人士均应配合独立费用审查员履行其职责，并应及时回应独立费用审查员提出的任何合理信息请求或通信。\n\nD. 费用审查员的报酬\n\n美国受托人请求，任何任命独立费用审查员的裁定应规定，费用审查员及独立费用审查员聘任的任何专业人士均有权从财产中获得其合理费用和开支的合理报酬。任何此类报酬请求均应通过向法院提出申请的方式作出，并应按照适用于受聘专业人士的相同标准和程序予以许可。\n\nE. 独立费用审查员的豁免权\n\n最后，美国受托人请求，任何授权任命独立费用审查员的裁定应规定，就履行本文件所述职责而言，独立费用审查员被任命为法院官员，并就其履行职责时采取或未采取的一切行为享有法律允许的免受民事诉讼的豁免权。\n\nF. 对临时报酬命令的拟议修改\n\n如法院认定在该等情形下任命独立费用审查员具有正当性，美国受托人请求录入一项修改现有临时报酬命令的裁定。随附提交一份拟议的修改后裁定。\n\n因此，美国受托人谨请求法院考虑上述事项，并依照本文件所载条款授权任命独立费用审查员，以及给予其他公正适当的救济。\n\n日期：May 30, 2025　　　　　　　　　　　　谨此提交，New Haven, Connecticut\n\nWILLIAM K. HARRINGTON（威廉·K·哈灵顿）\nREGION 2 UNITED STATES TRUSTEE（第2区域美国受托人）\n\n签署人：/s/ Holley L. Claiborn\nHolley L. Claiborn（霍莉·L·克莱伯恩）\n审判律师\n美国受托人办公室\nGiaimo Federal Building, Room 302\n150 Court Street\nNew Haven, CT 06510\nHolley.L.Claiborn@usdoj.gov\n(203) 773-2210\n联邦律师编号：ct17216 (Connecticut)\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院）\n\n关于　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人，　　　　　　　　　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。[1]　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　合并管理\n\n拟议\n\n________________________________________________________________________________\n\n依据 11 U.S.C. § 105(a) AND 330 授权独立费用审查员并修改受聘专业人士临时报酬程序的裁定\n\n经审议依据 11 U.S.C. §§ 105(a) and 330 请求任命独立费用审查员及修改授权受聘专业人士临时报酬和费用偿还程序的裁定之动议（“费用审查员动议”），以及法院在本案中录入的《授权受聘专业人士临时报酬和费用偿还程序的裁定》（“临时报酬命令”）[ECF 2094]（“临时报酬命令”）；进一步审议到，这些合并管理的第11章案件的规模和复杂性已导致、并将继续导致提交大量冗长且复杂的专业人士费用申请；并且法院认定，根据《破产法典》第105条任命费用审查员似乎符合第11章债务人、其财产和债权人以及其他利害关系方的最佳利益，\n\n特此裁定：\n\n1. 美国受托人在与第11章受托人 Luc A. Despins（吕克·A·德斯平斯）\n\n[1] 本第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（又名 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他化名）（税务识别号后四位：9595；案号 22-50073）（“个人债务人”）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号后四位：8202；案号 22-50592）（“Genever US”）以及 Genever Holdings Corporation（案号 22-50542）（“Genever BVI”）。\n\n（“第11章受托人”）及无担保债权人官方委员会（“委员会”）协商后，应任命一名无利害关系人士在本案中担任独立费用审查员（“费用审查员”），但须遵守本裁定的条款和条件，以及经本裁定修改的临时报酬命令的条款和条件。\n\n2. 在履行本裁定规定的职责和权限时，费用审查员就其采取或未采取的一切行为，应享有法律允许的最大限度豁免权，以免受任何性质的索赔、要求、诉讼或民事诉讼。任何及所有未在根据 11 U.S.C. § 330 就本案最后一份最终费用申请作出的裁定录入后第三十（30）个日历日之前针对费用审查员提出或主张的索赔、要求、诉讼或民事诉讼，均应永久禁止并解除，且所有个人和实体均应被禁止此后以任何方式追诉该等索赔。\n\n3. 费用审查员可在其认为履行职责所必需的范围内聘任律师及其他专业人士、助理或顾问。费用审查员聘任专业人士须经法院根据相当于 11 U.S.C. § 327 的标准批准，并依照本法院地方规则在通知和听证机会后进行。\n\n4. 费用审查员的费用和开支须根据《破产法典》第330条提出申请并接受审查，并应作为 11 U.S.C. § 503(b)(2) 规定的管理费用，从债务人的财产中依照临时报酬命令所载程序支付。费用审查员的报酬不得以任何成功或结果因素为条件或取决于该等因素。费用审查员的费用和开支须符合地方规则第2016-1条规定的信息详细程度要求以及适用的《美国受托人报酬附录A指南》。\n\n5. 除本裁定另有规定外，费用审查员的职责和责任范围应涵盖本裁定生效日后由以下人员提交的所有月度费用请求、临时申请和最终申请：(1) 本案中根据《破产法典》第327、330、331或1103条，以及在适用时第363条，请求临时报酬和/或费用偿还的任何及所有专业人士（统称“受聘专业人士”）。除非法院另有命令，费用审查员的职责和责任范围不应延及：(1) 根据 11 U.S.C. §§ 503(b)(3) 或 503(b)(4) 提交的任何报酬请求，和/或就对本第11章案件作出实质性贡献的任何报酬请求；或 (2) 根据 11 U.S.C. §331 提出的、在本裁定生效日前已提交的任何临时报酬申请，但费用审查员可以审查该等临时申请，以便就根据 11 U.S.C. § 330 提交的任何最终报酬及费用偿还申请履行其职责和责任。\n\n6. 除上文第5段规定外，费用审查员应审查和评估受聘专业人士提交的所有费用及开支申请，以及根据该等费用申请请求许可的报酬和费用偿还是否符合：(1) 适用的《美国法典》第11编第328、329、330和331条，(2) 《联邦破产程序规则》第2016条，(3) 临时报酬命令（经本裁定修订）；以及 (4) 地方破产规则第2016-1条和适用的报酬指南。费用审查员还获授权，并应在法院享有当事人资格：\n\n- A. 审阅并就临时补偿申请和最终费用申请提出意见；\n- B. 为法院编制摘要和报告，以协助审阅和批准临时及最终费用申请；该等摘要和报告可包括人员配置和开支的效率性及合理性，以及定期提高小时费率的适当性等事项；\n- C. 要求补偿申请人向其提供其为评估任何特定费用项目的合理性而可能合理要求的补充信息；但前提是，本文件任何内容均不得要求受聘专业人士提供会披露特权信息、工作成果或任何受聘专业人士依其合理酌情判断可能对其客户造成损害或不利影响的信息（包括潜在策略）；为免生疑义，专业人士在未提及保密细节的情况下对项目和任务作出一般性讨论，不应被视为放弃任何特权或证据开示豁免；\n- D. 以本案任何利害关系方均可援引的相同理由，对任何受聘专业人士在费用申请中请求准许的费用或开支提出异议，包括基于《破产法典》第 330 条规定的合理性标准提出异议；\n- E. 视其认为适当，就临时和最终申请出庭、提交并进行该等异议的诉讼；以及\n- F. 在首先获得本法院批准后，进行与履行其其他职责和责任相关且必要的证据开示；该等批准仅可在向所有利害关系方发出通知并给予听证机会后作出，并且法院对与该等证据开示有关的一切事项保留专属管辖权。\n\n尽管有上述列举的权限，费用审查员不得参与评估或判断利害关系方或其受聘专业人士所提交任何文件或所采取立场的法律或事实依据；但该限制不应限制费用审查员在评估补偿及开支偿还申请时考虑 11 U.S.C. §§ 330(a)(3)(C) and (D) 所列因素的能力。\n\n7. 债务人 Genever US、债务人 Genever BVI、第 11 章受托人、委员会以及所有受聘专业人士（包括律师、财务顾问、审计师、债权顾问及其他人士）应配合费用审查员履行其职责，并应在遵守上文第 6.C 段关于特权事项或工作成果的限制条件的前提下，及时回应费用审查员提出的任何合理信息请求。\n\n8. 本文件所载任何内容均不影响本案中任何利害关系方就任何临时费用申请或任何月度补偿及开支偿还请求（包括费用审查员的该等申请或请求）提出异议或以其他方式作出回应的权利（如有）。本文件任何内容均不影响任何一方在适用范围内请求豁免 Local Rule 2016-1 或适用的《补偿指引》所规定的要求，以及 11 U.S.C. § 330 规定的要求的权利。\n\n9. 费用审查员（或其任何代理人）与任何通知当事方（或其任何代理人）之间，凡涉及另一通知当事方自身任何受聘专业人士的费用或开支的任何通信，均应以书面形式作出，其副本应与费用审查员或通知当事方之间通信同时并以相同方式发送给该通信所涉费用或开支的受聘专业人士。\n\n10. 经本裁定修订的《临时补偿裁定》中所界定的通知当事方，获授权并有权采取实施和落实本裁定条款所必需的一切行动，但仅限于该等行动不与本裁定的明示条款相抵触的范围内。\n\n11. 《临时补偿裁定》现修改如下：\n\nA. 由美国受托人指定任命的费用审查员，被指定为有权根据《临时补偿裁定》规定的补偿程序接收月度报表，并在适当时提出异议的额外通知当事方。\n\nB. 每份月度报表和费用申请均应包括载有时间记录和开支项目明细的、可搜索的 Adobe Acrobat (pdf) 格式或其他可搜索电子格式文件，格式可按合理要求提供（例如 Excel、Microsoft Word 或 LEDES）。\n\n12. 本裁定的条款和条件应在其录入后立即生效并可执行，并应持续有效，除非法院另有命令。\n\n法院在向费用审查员、债务人 Genever US、债务人 Genever BVI、第 11 章受托人、委员会及美国受托人发出不少于十 (10) 日通知并举行听证后，保留执行、修改或撤销本裁定的管辖权。尽管本裁定有任何相反规定，法院保留最终决定任何受聘专业人士所请求的费用和开支是否根据 11 U.S.C. § 330 属于必要且合理的权力。","key_entities":["Je","Kwok","Guo","Ho Wan Kwok","Despins","Paul Hastings","Miles Guo"],"ecf_references":[{"doc_number":1,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":102,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":108,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":346,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":465,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":514,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":523,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":1141,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":1283,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":1896,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":2094,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":2236,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":2897,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":3284,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":3307,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":3358,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":3651,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":3653,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":3930,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4018,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4144,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4148,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4149,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4150,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4151,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4152,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4153,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4154,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4155,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4156,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4157,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4158,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4159,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4181,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4254,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4255,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4256,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4257,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4258,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4259,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4260,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4261,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4262,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4279,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4280,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4282,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4708,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":4821,"court":"CTB"}],"word_count":4471,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 18:32:06"}