ICSID at the World Bank Begins Hearing Humans Mobile’s Claim Against Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A claim by Singapore-based Humans Mobile Ltd., part of the international Humans Group holding and operator of Humans’ business in Uzbekistan, has been registered with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) under the World Bank, the company’s press service reported.

The tribunal was constituted on January 7 and comprises three arbitrators: Sir Daniel Bethlehem serves as chair, Anna Hoffman represents Humans, and Jorge E. Vinuales represents Uzbekistan. The claimant is represented by the international law firm Peter & Kim, while Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle represents the respondent.

On 20 January, Humans Mobile filed a request for provisional measures, seeking temporary protections to safeguard its rights until a final decision is rendered.

The claim cites alleged violations of the bilateral Agreement Between the Governments of Uzbekistan and Singapore on the Promotion and Protection of Investments, dated July 15, 2003. According to Humans, actions by several state bodies and companies, including the Central Bank and Uztelecom, as well as interventions by courts, the prosecutor’s office, and “members of Uzbekistan’s ruling elite,” have “systematically harmed the business.”

Humans is seeking compensation for incurred damages, estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, though no specific amount has been disclosed.

Vladimir Dobrynin, CEO and founder of the holding, emphasized that the company entered Uzbekistan to build a modern digital infrastructure, investing significant resources, technology, and expertise.

He stated that the actions of the authorities disrupted growth plans and caused substantial harm, contrary to the obligations under the investment protection agreement and the rule of law principles enshrined therein.

Humans Mobile initiated arbitration proceedings against Uzbekistan in May 2025. The respondent in the case is the Legal Protection Authority of Uzbekistan under the Ministry of Justice.

Earlier, on 14 October, the Tashkent Interdistrict Economic Court declared the company bankrupt following a petition by Octobank and initiated liquidation proceedings without halting the company’s operations.