Asia’s Multimedia Idol Kim Chiu has taken her financial dispute with her sister to the legal arena, formally lodging a qualified theft complaint against Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu. The actress personally appeared at the Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Hall inside the DOJ compound in Quezon City earlier today, accompanied by her legal counsel from LEAPLAW Lilagan Espinosa & Presto Legal and Technical Consultancy.

According to a report from ABS-CBN News, the case stems from what Kim discovered to be “serious irregularities and unexplained losses” involving funds tied to her business assets, all of which were under her sister’s management. In her official statement, Kim said she opted to pursue formal charges only after confirming that “substantial amounts connected to my business resources were found missing.”

Her lawyers emphasized that before reaching the DOJ, the family made repeated attempts to settle the matter privately, including discussions meant to repair the siblings’ rift and reconcile the financial records. Those efforts, however, did not lead to a resolution.

The fallout between Kim and Lakam made headlines earlier this year after reports surfaced alleging that Lakam had mismanaged and lost significant sums of money, with some accounts claiming she had been seen frequenting a casino and engaging in gambling activities using the funds entrusted to her.

Interestingly, the sisters had supposedly made amends after months of tension. But with the filing of the complaint, it appears the reconciliation did not resolve the deeper financial issues that prompted today’s formal action.

The DOJ is expected to evaluate the case and determine the next steps based on the evidence submitted. Further statements from Kim’s camp will likely follow as the proceedings move forward.