The Swiss Federal Criminal Court has discontinued the money-laundering case against Gulnara Karimova—the daughter of former Uzbek President Islam Karimov. The reason is the inability to secure her participation in the hearings, reports Swissinfo.

The court noted that it had taken all possible steps to arrange the defendant’s appearance. In August 2024, representatives of the Swiss authorities traveled to Uzbekistan and discussed the matter with the country’s Supreme Court, but no agreement was reached. In January 2026, the court finally rejected the relevant request.

“Today’s discontinuation of the case by the Swiss Federal Criminal Court in favor of our client Gulnara Karimova is effectively tantamount to an acquittal under Swiss law,” her lawyer Grégoire Mangeat told Reuters.

The proceedings were also discontinued with regard to the second defendant, whom Swiss prosecutors described as Karimova’s “right-hand man” and her nominal representative. The court concluded that he cannot travel to Bellinzona because of international arrest warrants. In theory, he could leave Russia, where he is living in exile, but since 2022 there have been no direct flights between the countries, and traveling via third states carries a risk of detention. In the court’s view, it is impossible to ensure this suspect’s participation before the statute of limitations expires in June 2027, creating a permanent procedural obstacle.

At the same time, the court emphasized that discontinuing part of the case does not mean the entire process has ended. The main proceedings against the former Lombard Odier asset manager and the bank itself are continuing—there are no obstacles to their participation. The issue of funds linked to Karimova also remains open: the possibility of their confiscation will be considered in the course of further proceedings.

The essence of the allegations and context

The in absentia trial in Karimova’s case began in Switzerland on April 27. She is accused of bribery, money laundering, and leading a criminal network known as The Office, through which, investigators say, hundreds of millions of dollars may have been siphoned off in 2005–2012. Prosecutors claim that more than 30 accounts were opened in Swiss banks through nominees, and the funds were transferred between them to conceal their origin. The money is alleged to have come from telecommunications companies in exchange for access to Uzbekistan’s market.

The case also involves a former Lombard Odier asset manager and the bank itself. According to the prosecution, in 2008–2012 he opened nine accounts for various Uzbek beneficiaries, although he knew that the true beneficial owner was Karimova. These accounts, which listed false beneficiaries, made up about 90% of his portfolio—470 million Swiss francs, or $599 million.