Prosecutor General’s Office discloses details of high-profile case

Question: G. Avakyan and R. Madumarov are known in connection with high-profile case in several European countries. Is opened criminal case of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan continuation of European investigations?

Criminal investigation, which is conducted by Prosecutor General’s Office in cooperation with other law enforcement bodies of Uzbekistan, is independent. During investigation, the Prosecutor General’s Office received requests from several foreign colleagues and the answers will be directed to them in the result of investigation in line with international convention.

Subject of careful investigation of law enforcement bodies is alleged illegal activities of the organized group of R. Madumarov, G. Avakyan, N. Sodiqov and others, which operated in the territory of Uzbekistan.

In particular, the criminal group acquired state assets at artificially low prices, misappropriation and embezzlement, as well as committed other financial-economic fraud, causing significant economic damage to Uzbekistan. Law enforcement bodies returned assets and property for 457 billion soums to the government.

Question: Why did the military court consider the criminal case against R. Madumarov, G. Avakyan, N. Sodiqov and others? Why the case was not considered by the court of general jurisdiction?

On 24 May 2014, the Military court of Tashkent garrison considered only one criminal case related to illegal kidnapping and detention of some citizens of Uzbekistan. These crimes were carried out by a group of former servicemen by direct order of R. Madumarov and G. Avakyan.

As, the executors were servicemen and they committed several military crimes, the case was considered by the specialized court. This is connected from requirement of the legislation of Uzbekistan, not to ensure secrecy.

At the same time, materials of criminal case, related to economic and other crimes, committed by suspected members of the organized group of R. Madumarova, R. Sodiqov and G. Avakyan, was handed over to the court and will be considered in general law order.

Question: Given the extent of the economic damage and frauds were connected with the state-owned assets, the observers say that N. Sodikov, R. Madumarov, G. Avakyan and others could commit their crimes with corruption component?

During preliminary investigation, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan in cooperation with other law enforcement bodies are undertaking necessary measures to ensure full and objective investigation of all episodes of the criminal activities. It is early to say that the law enforcement bodies collected all evidences. The law enforcement bodies are conducting a complex of investigative-operational and researches measures, including using international cooperation channels and Interpol line.

Being limited by the legislation on confidentiality of investigation, it can be said that G. Karimova and other persons, who can use administrative instruments and bribe officials, also appear in materials of the criminal cases.

In several days, one of criminal cases against R. Madumarov, G. Avakyan and others, on which investigation ended, will be directed to consideration to the court. On other cases, the investigations are underway.

Question: What is procedural status of G. Karimova within the criminal case?

As mentioned earlier, currently materials against large part of members of the organized group were directed to the court. Materials on some persons, suspected in committing crimes, were allocated to separate cases.

The law enforcement bodies are collecting necessary evidences. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan earlier stated that each member of the organized criminal group will be punished in line with the legislation of Uzbekistan.

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan added that it will inform public on the results of the investigation.

Question: Can you comment reports of mass media on underage daughter of G. Karimova - Iman, who supposedly has citizenship of the United States? In particular, she is in home arrest with her mother, cannot communicate with friends, continue education and receive medical aid.

These reports do not correspond to reality. Iman Karimova has no connection to criminal investigation. So, any procedural measures related to the restriction of her rights and legitimate interests, including freedom of movement, were not applied by the Prosecutor General’s Office or other law enforcement and judiciary bodies.

This year, Iman Karimov turned 16 and she can travel to any direction, including outside of Uzbekistan. Iman was born in the United States and she has right to receive US citizenship. In any case, she makes decision on this issue.

The Prosecutor General’s Office cannot make comments on health conditions of G. Karimova and her daughter. According to data of the Prosecutor General’s Office, they have no problems, but in any case this issue is in competence of medical institutions.