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ARTICLE · 26 MAY 2025

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Freestanding Mareva Injunctions: A Powerful Strategy For Cross-border Disputes

Withers LLP
Withers LLP
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Withers has recently achieved a landmark success in securing a section 21M "freestanding" Mareva injunction to freeze RMB1.6 billion worth of assets in aid of ongoing proceedings in the People's Republic of China...

Hong KongLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Gary Leung
Gary Leung
Ian Chan
Ian Chan
Carina Shun
Carina Shun
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Withers has recently achieved a landmark success in securing a section 21M "freestanding" Mareva injunction to freeze RMB1.6 billion worth of assets in aid of ongoing proceedings in the People's Republic of China (PRC).

This decision represents a notable legal development, as the defendant does not hold any meaningful assets in Hong Kong — a traditional prerequisite for Mareva relief. Instead, the injunction was anchored on the defendant's enforcement of a RMB2 billion PRC judgment in Hong Kong, which the Court recognized as a chose in action and therefore an asset within the jurisdiction, amenable to be frozen.

Freestanding Mareva injunctions: A vital tool in cross-border disputes

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