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Swiss Court Discontinues Karimova Trial
The judge said Karimova cannot leave Uzbekistan before 2028, so no verdict can be issued before Swiss charges expire.
A Swiss court abandoned the trial of Gulnara Karimova, daughter of President Islam Karimov, on Tuesday in Bellinzona because she is incarcerated in Uzbekistan and cannot attend the proceedings.
Karimova is serving a 13-year sentence for embezzlement and extortion in a Tashkent penal colony, and Uzbek authorities have refused to release her before her term ends in December 2028.
The Swiss case centered on alleged bribery and money laundering involving a crime ring known as "The Office," which involved several dozen people and multiple companies.
Proceedings continue against Swiss bank Lombard Odier and a former employee, whom prosecutors accuse of having a "decisive role" in hiding the crime ring's proceeds.
Lombard Odier contests the charges, stating they center on "organizational shortcomings in prevention measures" rather than involvement in money laundering, and will defend against the accusations in court.