A Swiss federal court began proceedings Monday against the daughter of Uzbekistan’s late president in a major money laundering case involving hundreds of millions of dollars, though the defendant remains imprisoned in her home country.
Gulnara Karimova, whose father Islam Karimov ruled the Central Asian nation for more than 25 years until his death in 2016, is being prosecuted in the federal criminal court in Bellinzona for allegedly orchestrating an extensive bribery and money laundering operation.
According to Swiss authorities, the 53-year-old created and operated a criminal network called “The Office” that encompassed dozens of individuals and multiple business entities. Prosecutors allege she funneled massive amounts of illicitly obtained money into Swiss and international accounts while also securing safe deposit boxes to store cash, precious gems, and other valuable items gained through criminal means.
Defense attorney Grégoire Mangeat confirmed that his client cannot leave the “prison colony” where Uzbek authorities are holding her to participate in the trial. “We will seek the full and complete acquittal of Gulnara Karimova,” he said.
Local Uzbek media outlet Podrobno reported that Karimova’s appearance in the Swiss courthouse was “virtually impossible” given her current incarceration. The news source indicated she was recently transferred to a women’s correctional facility in the Zangiota area near Tashkent, the country’s capital, at the beginning of this year.
Swiss officials brought charges against Karimova three years ago alongside a former executive from the Uzbek branch of a Russian telecom corporation for alleged crimes spanning from 2005 to 2013. This timeframe coincides with her father’s presidency. Karimova had previously been stationed in Geneva for United Nations-related work and enjoyed diplomatic protection during that period.
The defendant has endured multiple legal proceedings following an initial conviction in Uzbekistan eight years ago and is currently completing a 13-year prison term for charges including criminal organization leadership, extortion, and embezzlement. The current Swiss trial is scheduled to continue through May 22.
In November 2024, Swiss prosecutors also filed charges against Swiss private banking institution Lombard Odier and one of its former staff members, alleging they played a “decisive role in concealing the proceeds of the criminal activities of ‘The Office.’”
Lombard Odier responded via email that prosecutors are not claiming the bank deliberately participated in money laundering, “but rather raises claims relating to alleged organizational shortcomings in prevention measures, which the bank firmly contests and will defend in court.”
