Where have the Sulu heirs tried to seize Malaysian assets?

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Sulu Heirs' Attempts to Seize Malaysian Assets Across Europe

The Sulu heirs have pursued legal avenues to seize Malaysian state-owned assets in multiple European jurisdictions, including Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and France, as part of their efforts to enforce a purported US$14.9 billion arbitration award. These actions have been met with legal challenges from Malaysia, which asserts the invalidity of the award.
Seizure Attempts in Luxembourg and the Netherlands

In their pursuit of the arbitration award, the Sulu heirs have specifically targeted Malaysia's oil firm, Petronas, by attempting to seize its assets located in Luxembourg. Concurrently, similar efforts have been made to seize state-owned assets within the Netherlands. These actions are part of a broader strategy to compel Malaysia to comply with the disputed financial claim.
Focus on Malaysian Embassy in Paris

Beyond financial and corporate assets, the Sulu heirs have reportedly also considered seizing buildings belonging to the Malaysian embassy in Paris, France. This indicates a willingness to target diplomatic properties as part of their enforcement strategy, further escalating the international legal dispute.
Malaysian Legal Defence in The Hague

Malaysia presented its defence before the Hague Court of Appeal on April 17, 2024, in response to the Sulu heirs' application to enforce the arbitration award in the Netherlands. The Malaysian government's position, as stated by a special secretariat, is that the purported Final Award is null and void, rendering the claimants' request inadmissible.
Ongoing Legal Challenges and Stance

The Malaysian government has consistently maintained that there is no valid arbitration agreement underpinning the claim and views the arbitration process as a misuse of international commercial arbitration. Malaysia has been actively litigating across Europe to expose what it describes as a "sham award" and to ensure it is overturned, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and the integrity of arbitration processes.

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Where have the Sulu heirs tried to seize Malaysian assets?

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