Hong Kong Court Freezes $1.8 Billion Linked to Inheritance Feud

The court order restricts the Wahaha company chairwoman’s control over $1.8 billion in offshore funds, signaling a prolonged legal showdown.

The president of Chinese food and beverage company Wahaha, Zong Qinghou, attending a press conference in Beijing on July 17, 2013. Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images

Hong Kong’s High Court has barred Wahaha chairwoman Kelly Zong Fuli from accessing a $1.8 billion HSBC account—assets which lie at the heart of an inheritance dispute involving China’s largest private beverage company.

Deputy High Court Judge Gary CC Lam on Aug. 1 granted the freeze order, which will remain in place pending rulings by the Hangzhou court, as key issues hinge on mainland Chinese law, according to the 42-page ruling.