AMTD Group Instigates Legal Proceedings Against Inna Bazhenova and Gleb Ibragimov for Alleged Intimidation and Breach
On January 15, 2026, AMTD Group Inc. announced its decision to pursue legal action against both Inna Bazhenova and Gleb Ibragimov. This action stems from serious claims of intimidation, malicious falsehoods, and breaches of confidence related to their earlier agreement concerning the acquisition of The Art Newspaper.
AMTD Group, which holds stakes in various sectors including media, education, and hospitality, had successfully acquired The Art Newspaper from Bazhenova in 2023. At the time, Bazhenova published a statement claiming the deal was finalized, bringing closure to the negotiations and highlighting the completion of the transaction, which involved cash and shares from AMTD's companies under specific conditions.
Critical to this conversation are the 'Lock Up Shares' that were part of the agreement, which ultimately were registered under the names of Bazhenova and Ibragimov. Yet, despite these arrangements, Bazhenova and Ibragimov attempted to litigate in Hong Kong, asserting claims regarding these shares in late December 2024, applying for an asset preservation order to gain control over them. Unfortunately for them, the Hong Kong High Court dismissed their claims in June 2025, ruling against their application and imposing costs amounting to HK$773,000. By November 2025, all claims were categorically dismissed, with expectations for them to bear the costs of this entire legal process.
Following these dismissals, an alarming development occurred when Ibragimov began communicating with AMTD Group. These messages indicated an intention to disclose sensitive information regarding the Agreement unless AMTD acquiesced to their demands concerning the Lock Up Shares. AMTD has taken these threats seriously, reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities. This alarming behavior has led to significant damages for AMTD Group, prompting their swift initiation of litigation against the two individuals.
In their released statement, AMTD emphasized its strong commitment to counteracting such intimidatory tactics and ensuring fair treatment within its operations. Legal representatives from Gibson Dunn have advised AMTD in this matter, reinforcing the importance of this litigation as a means to uphold its rights.
Through this proceeding, AMTD Group aims to not only seek compensation for the hardships it has endured but also to set a precedent against similar actions that undermine the integrity of corporate agreements. The conglomerate firmly believes in justice and will pursue all legal avenues to protect its interests.
AMTD Group is recognized for its expansive business portfolio, focusing on diverse sectors that include media, digital solutions, and hospitality. AMTD IDEA Group operates synergistically to connect firms with investment opportunities across global markets, paving a distinctive path for collaboration between businesses from the East and West. Additionally, the Generation Essentials Group, a coalition under AMTD, aims to innovate within the multimedia and entertainment sectors while establishing a strong presence in hospitality.
As AMTD Group takes significant legal steps forward, the outcome of this case may resonate widely across the international business landscape, setting compelling examples of how organizations confront misconduct and stand firm against intimidation while seeking redress for harm experienced. This legal journey serves as a testament to AMTD's unwavering dedication to integrity in its business practices and its readiness to tackle adversities head-on.
AMTD Group, which holds stakes in various sectors including media, education, and hospitality, had successfully acquired The Art Newspaper from Bazhenova in 2023. At the time, Bazhenova published a statement claiming the deal was finalized, bringing closure to the negotiations and highlighting the completion of the transaction, which involved cash and shares from AMTD's companies under specific conditions.
Critical to this conversation are the 'Lock Up Shares' that were part of the agreement, which ultimately were registered under the names of Bazhenova and Ibragimov. Yet, despite these arrangements, Bazhenova and Ibragimov attempted to litigate in Hong Kong, asserting claims regarding these shares in late December 2024, applying for an asset preservation order to gain control over them. Unfortunately for them, the Hong Kong High Court dismissed their claims in June 2025, ruling against their application and imposing costs amounting to HK$773,000. By November 2025, all claims were categorically dismissed, with expectations for them to bear the costs of this entire legal process.
Following these dismissals, an alarming development occurred when Ibragimov began communicating with AMTD Group. These messages indicated an intention to disclose sensitive information regarding the Agreement unless AMTD acquiesced to their demands concerning the Lock Up Shares. AMTD has taken these threats seriously, reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities. This alarming behavior has led to significant damages for AMTD Group, prompting their swift initiation of litigation against the two individuals.
In their released statement, AMTD emphasized its strong commitment to counteracting such intimidatory tactics and ensuring fair treatment within its operations. Legal representatives from Gibson Dunn have advised AMTD in this matter, reinforcing the importance of this litigation as a means to uphold its rights.
Through this proceeding, AMTD Group aims to not only seek compensation for the hardships it has endured but also to set a precedent against similar actions that undermine the integrity of corporate agreements. The conglomerate firmly believes in justice and will pursue all legal avenues to protect its interests.
AMTD Group is recognized for its expansive business portfolio, focusing on diverse sectors that include media, digital solutions, and hospitality. AMTD IDEA Group operates synergistically to connect firms with investment opportunities across global markets, paving a distinctive path for collaboration between businesses from the East and West. Additionally, the Generation Essentials Group, a coalition under AMTD, aims to innovate within the multimedia and entertainment sectors while establishing a strong presence in hospitality.
As AMTD Group takes significant legal steps forward, the outcome of this case may resonate widely across the international business landscape, setting compelling examples of how organizations confront misconduct and stand firm against intimidation while seeking redress for harm experienced. This legal journey serves as a testament to AMTD's unwavering dedication to integrity in its business practices and its readiness to tackle adversities head-on.
Topics General Business）
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