Timeliness and Tolling
Dean argued the case was filed too late, citing New York’s six-year statute of limitations. But Judge Buchwald sided with the liquidators, ruling that the “adverse domination” doctrine — which tolls the statute while wrongdoers control the corporate plaintiffs — could apply under New York law.
The liquidators alleged Low exercised such control through associate Eric Tan, who held bank accounts in his name but operated for Low’s benefit. Judge Buchwald emphasized the companies were mere shells, carrying debts but no assets, stock, or records.
What’s Next
With dismissal denied, the case moves to discovery. Casey D. Laffey of Reed Smith LLP, representing the liquidators, said the funds should be returned to help Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund and its citizens.
Dean, married to singer Alicia Keys, has not publicly responded. His legal team at Blank Rome LLP did not immediately return requests for comment.
The case, which threads celebrity, art, and an infamous global corruption scandal, now advances deeper into litigation, keeping Swizz Beatz in the legal spotlight.
