The Hong Kong High Court has issued a ruling that bars Zong Fuli from accessing the substantial sum of $1.8 billion held in an HSBC account, amid an ongoing inheritance dispute with her half-siblings. This legal decision highlights the complexities within family relationships when significant financial interests are at stake.

The ruling came on Friday from Deputy High Court Judge Gary CC Lam, who determined that Zong Fuli, the chairwoman of Wahaha Group and daughter of the late Zong Qinghou, will not be permitted to withdraw or transfer funds from the account. The decision is a result of a lawsuit initiated by her half-siblings, who are seeking their rightful claims.

The asset freeze will remain in effect until a separate lawsuit pending in a Hangzhou court is resolved, or until another ruling is issued by the Hong Kong court. Furthermore, the court mandated Zong Fuli to disclose comprehensive details regarding the HSBC account's status.

The suit was brought by Zong Fuli's half-siblings, identified as extramarital children of Zong Qinghou, who argue that Zong Fuli has withdrawn over $6 million from the contested account. Prior to the lawsuit, she was publicly acknowledged as her father’s only child, raising questions about the family dynamics involved.

The High Court's ruling emphasized that serious legal issues warranting a thorough examination exist regarding the plaintiffs' claims. This includes allegations that Zong Fuli violated a family agreement to establish three offshore trusts for her half-siblings, with a total value of $2.1 billion following their father's passing in February last year.

However, the request for Zong Fuli to account for more than $1 million was dismissed, as she stated the amount was utilized to cover investment fund subscriptions. The court modified the property preservation order's language, specifying that the action prohibits the defendants from withdrawing or encumbering the assets in the HSBC account.

The litigants in this high-profile case include plaintiffs Zong Jichang, Zong Jieli, and Zong Jisheng, and defendant Zong Fuli, along with Jian Hao Ventures Limited, a company registered in the British Virgin Islands of which Zong Fuli is the sole director. Reports indicate that neither party was present during the court proceedings.

The inheritance dispute surrounding Wahaha, a major beverage enterprise, has triggered significant public interest following the death of its founder, Zong Qinghou, in February 2022 at the age of 79. As the case unfolds, it underscores the often-contentious nature of wealth distribution within families.

As this legal saga continues, many eyes are focused on the implications for family businesses and inheritance law, particularly how conflicts may arise and be resolved in such high-stakes scenarios.