Asian energy business questions property judgment

A Malaysian energy group has sued a Port Arthur man, alleging breach of duty in a property dispute.

Gryphon Energy Asia Pacific, doing business in Texas, filed a lawsuit March 20 in Jefferson County District Court against Sadacharamani Govindasamy, alleging breach of responsibility in a 2012 real estate transaction.

According to the complaint, on Feb. 2, 2012, Gryphon Energy purchased property in Jefferson County, land that was intended to house Gryphon workers providing services in the Port Arthur area. The suit states at the time of the transaction the purchase funds were wired directly from Gryphon to the title company.

The lawsuit states the property was titled in the defendant’s name as a concession to the plaintiff because the defendant was acting as the plaintiff’s local agent and the defendant thus holds legal title but the plaintiff is an equitable title holder. Gryphon alleges Govindasamy has not paid any of the property’s purchase price to date, the defendant is no longer its agent, and Gryphon wishes to have legal title transferred.

The plaintiff seeks declaratory judgment for title or in the alternative, judgment and lien against the property. Additionally, the suit states Gryphon believes that Govindasamy plans to sell the property. Gryphon alleges breach of fiduciary duty.

Gryphon Energy seeks: actual and exemplary damages; compensation for pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney fees; expenses and costs. The firm is represented by attorney Marc Henry of Henry & Fuller in Beaumont.

Jefferson County District Court case number: B-196863.