AMTD Group Files Lawsuit Against Inna Bazhenova and Gleb Ibragimov for Defamation and Intimidation

AMTD Group Takes Legal Action against Former Owner of The Art Newspaper

In a significant legal move, AMTD Group Inc., the owner of The Art Newspaper, has announced the filing of a lawsuit against Inna Bazhenova and Gleb Ibragimov. The lawsuit stems from allegations of intimidation, defamation, breach of trust, and consequential damages arising from the purchase transaction that took place back in 2023.

Background of the Acquisition

In October 2023, AMTD Group successfully acquired The Art Newspaper from Inna Bazhenova. At the time of the transaction, Bazhenova publicly celebrated the successful sale; however, complications have arisen since then. The transaction was fully paid, and all conditions were duly met. The payment included both cash and shares of publicly traded companies under AMTD Group, with certain shares being subject to a holding period as per the terms of the sale.

Details of the Allegations

According to AMTD, the restricted shares were properly registered under the names of Bazhenova and her business partner, Ibragimov. Despite this, on December 27, 2024, the duo filed a legal complaint in Hong Kong, making various claims regarding the transaction and seeking a freezing order on the blocked shares. This request was based on alleged claims which were contradicted by clear evidence—letters from the independent stock registry agent confirmed the legality of the registration process.

On June 20, 2025, the High Court of Hong Kong dismissed their application for the freezing order and imposed costs of HKD 773,000 on Bazhenova and Ibragimov. Additionally, on November 21, 2025, their entire lawsuit was rejected, leading to further financial penalties.

Threats and Further Legal Action

In a concerning turn of events, Ibragimov, acting in his capacity or on behalf of Bazhenova, allegedly threatened AMTD Group in January 2026. He stated intentions to breach the confidentiality clause outlined in the contract and to disclose sensitive information to third parties, including journalists, unless AMTD resolved issues related to the blocked shares in favor of Bazhenova.

Following these developments, AMTD Group took immediate action, having reported the malicious conduct to law enforcement agencies. As a result of these actions, the group claims to have suffered losses and damages.

AMTD Group’s Position

In response to these allegations and actions, AMTD Group is committed to defending its legal rights vigorously. With guidance from legal advisors at Gibson Dunn, the group aims to pursue all legal remedies available to them. AMTD has reiterated its dedication to uphold justice and protect its interests against any forms of intimidation or defamation.

Overview of AMTD Group

AMTD Group operates across various sectors, predominantly focusing on media, entertainment, education, and high-end hospitality. Furthermore, AMTD IDEA Group serves as a digital solutions provider linking businesses and investors to global markets, addressing diverse client needs throughout their life cycles.

As legal proceedings unfold, the AMTD Group will likely continue to address this situation publicly, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and integrity in their business dealings.

For further updates on this lawsuit and AMTD Group's response, you can follow them on social media or consult their official site for real-time information.