WhatsApp Founder Jan Koum Sues Designer Remi Tessier for Fraud

In feedback to the complaints, Tessier, 61, told me, “I refute all claims against me. I have constantly dealt with [Koum] with the highest possible regard and guarded his personal privacy. I am shocked that he has actually done this.”

Koum’s Allegations Against Tessier

Koum, 49, claimed he is planning to file a complaint in France that will set off a criminal examination, and is seeking discovery from Tessier for usage because anticipated proceeding. The filing additionally declares that at least two other former clients (who continue to be confidential) have actually discharged the venerated developer for the exact same factor.

Remi Tessier, one of the world’s most expensive and in-demand interior designers– his customers have consisted of billionaires Larry Ellison and Ken Griffin– is embroiled in some major interior design dramatization with WhatsApp owner Jan Koum.

Tessier would purportedly convert the cost of something from dollars to euros to pocket the rate disparities between the two money and would covertly take kickback payments from vendors without Koum recognizing.

In one example, Tessier apparently informed Koum he acquired “2 lots hand-knotted silk and pashmina carpets … from a high-end French carpet producer”– and also provided Tessier with the billing (which he specified was EUR642,032, about $75,000).

Yacht and Art Purchases Under Scrutiny

Koum bought Moonrise, a 100-meter yacht, for 320 million euros (regarding $374 million). 5 years later on, he acquired a near-identical private yacht, likewise named Moonrise (over), for approximately 350 million euros ($ 409 million). Offered to NY Blog Post

Koum acquired Moonrise, a 100-meter private yacht, for 320 million euros (about $374 million). According to the declaring, Koum acquired a $7.8 million Picasso, upon Tessier’s referral. The developer supposedly took a backdoor $600,000 payment from the gallery without revealing it to Koum.” This has never ever been about personal gain– Jan has actually vowed to contribute any healing to charity in France– however about shielding others,” Koum’s lawyer, Orin Snyder at Gibson Dunn, told me. Koum bought Moonrise, a 100-meter yacht, for 320 million euros (about $374 million).

Koum acquired Moonrise, a 100-meter yacht, for 320 million euros (concerning $374 million). Five years later, he got a near-identical yacht, additionally called Moonrise (above), for roughly 350 million euros ($ 409 million). Offered to NY Article

In the application for exploration, Koum asserts that Tessier would frequently misrepresent the value of goods and their provenance– like asserting a lamp from RH (the brand name formerly known as Restoration Equipment) was personalized.

According to the filing, Koum purchased a $7.8 million Picasso, upon Tessier’s suggestion. The designer allegedly took a backdoor $600,000 payment from the gallery without revealing it to Koum. Koum declares that he found another art commission kickback had actually been sent out to an overseas account in the British Virgin Islands.

Disputed Carpet Purchase

According to the court filings, the carpets were from a completely different supplier and were made of artificial fibers and were “hand-loomed” as opposed to “hand-knotted.” Professionals mentioned on the fit wrapped up the actual value of the rugs was less than half what Tessier claimed they cost.

“This has actually never ever had to do with personal gain– Jan has actually pledged to give away any type of recovery to charity in France– however about safeguarding others,” Koum’s lawyer, Orin Snyder at Gibson Dunn, told me. Koum is worth more than $17 billion according to Forbes. He marketed WhatsApp to Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion.

The declaring alleges that the style did this type of thing with whatever from steak knives to couches. This method “permitted Tessier to pocket the difference while leaving Koum with items far below the standard he thought he was spending for.”

Those near to Tessier claim they’re unconvinced he would have purposefully deceived somebody he ‘d understood for years like Koum. They say this is a misconception that has been further made complex by the language barrier with Tessier’s French lawyers.