The glamorous facade of Chinese billionaire heiress LanLan Yang's life in one of London's most exclusive postcodes has been shattered by a spectacular High Court battle over a phantom £2.5 million Rolls-Royce and a disputed £15 million mansion.
A Mayfair Lifestyle Unravels
LanLan Yang, daughter of agricultural tycoon Yang Yuntao, appeared to be living the ultimate London dream. Her life revolved around a magnificent six-storey Grade II-listed townhouse on Charles Street, Mayfair—a stone's throw from Berkeley Square and its world-renowned luxury boutiques.
This was the epicentre of her operations for Royal Excellence Capital, her UK investment firm. But beneath the surface of this glittering existence, a financial drama was brewing that would eventually explode in the Royal Courts of Justice.
The Phantom Rolls-Royce and the Greek Businessman
At the heart of the scandal lies a staggering claim: Ms Yang allegedly received £2.5 million from Greek businessman George Plassaras to purchase a bespoke Rolls-Royce Boat Tail—a vehicle so exclusive only three are made each year. The only problem? The car never materialised.
Mr Plassaras, through his company Plassaras Ltd, is now suing for the return of his millions. He claims the money was transferred specifically for the purchase of this automotive unicorn, a vehicle synonymous with ultimate luxury and status.
"A General Investment": The Heiress's Defence
Ms Yang's defence offers a completely different narrative. She asserts the £2.5 million was merely a "general investment" into her company, completely unrelated to any specific vehicle purchase. Her lawyers argue there was never any agreement to buy a Rolls-Royce on Mr Plassaras's behalf.
This claim is particularly awkward given that Ms Yang herself took delivery of a Rolls-Royce Boat Tail—potentially the very vehicle in question—around the same time period, proudly showcasing it on her social media channels.
The £15 Million Mayfair Mansion Mystery
Complicating matters further is the disputed ownership of the spectacular Charles Street property. Land Registry documents initially showed the title transferred to Ms Yang's Royal Excellence Capital in December 2021 for £15 million.
However, these records have since been altered, with a restriction placed on the title following a application from another company, hinting at a much more complex financial arrangement behind the scenes of this palatial Mayfair address.
A Family Empire Back in China
The case casts an unexpected spotlight on the Yang family's substantial wealth back in China. Ms Yang's father, Yang Yuntao, founded the Dabeinong Technology Group, a massive agribusiness concern specialising in animal feed and agricultural technology.
This connection to China's agricultural revolution forms the backdrop to a story that illustrates how the financial dealings of the international super-rich are increasingly being played out in London's courtrooms.
High Court Showdown Looms
With the case now headed for a full trial, London's legal circles are buzzing with anticipation. The proceedings promise to expose the complex financial arrangements and high-stakes dealings that often lie beneath the surface of luxury lifestyles in the capital.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even amidst the glittering world of Mayfair mansions and ultra-exclusive Rolls-Royces, the British legal system remains the ultimate arbiter of truth and financial propriety.
