A Swiss federal court has abruptly halted the long-running money laundering case against Gulnara Karimova, daughter of Uzbekistan’s former president. The decision comes after judges determined that legal and logistical barriers made it impossible to complete the trial before key deadlines expired.
Court Ends Trial Due to Absence and Legal Deadlines
The Swiss Federal Criminal Court ruled that the proceedings could not continue because Karimova was unable to attend the trial in person. She is currently serving a prison sentence in Uzbekistan and has not been permitted to travel abroad.
Judges concluded that without her presence, the case could not be resolved before the statute of limitations on the alleged offenses expires. As a result, the court discontinued the trial, effectively bringing the proceedings to an end.
Legal experts noted that under Swiss law, such a dismissal can carry similar implications to an acquittal, though it does not formally declare innocence.
Allegations Involved Massive Money Laundering Network
Karimova had been accused of accepting bribes and leading a criminal organization known as “The Office,” which allegedly funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into Swiss accounts between 2005 and 2013.
Prosecutors claimed the network involved multiple businesses and individuals, with funds allegedly stored in accounts and assets across several countries. Karimova has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the case.
The trial had attracted international attention due to the scale of the alleged financial activities and Karimova’s political connections.
Case Closure Leaves Broader Questions Unresolved
Although the trial against Karimova has been discontinued, related proceedings involving financial institutions and other individuals are expected to continue.
The decision also leaves unresolved questions about the fate of assets linked to the case and the broader fight against international financial crime. Authorities are still examining how funds moved through global banking systems and whether additional legal action is possible elsewhere.
With Karimova expected to remain imprisoned in Uzbekistan until at least 2028, the likelihood of reopening the case in Switzerland appears limited. The outcome highlights the challenges of prosecuting complex cross-border financial crimes when key defendants are unable to appear in court.
