Story perspectives

Swiss Court Launches Absentia Corruption Trial of Karimova

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 27, 2026 the Criminal Court in Bellinzona opened a corruption trial against Gulnara Karimova and Lombard Odier.
Prosecutors allege Karimova’s “Office” demanded bribes from telecom firms 2005-2013, that a former Lombard Odier employee opened related accounts 2008-2012, and that the bank reported the suspicion to MROS in 2012 and faces only organisational-shortcoming charges.
Because Karimova has been detained in Uzbekistan since 2014, Swiss judges must consider a trial in absentia and evidence admissibility.

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Story summary

On April 27, 2026 the Criminal Court in Bellinzona opened a corruption trial against Gulnara Karimova and Lombard Odier.
Prosecutors allege Karimova’s “Office” demanded bribes from telecom firms 2005-2013, that a former Lombard Odier employee opened related accounts 2008-2012, and that the bank reported the suspicion to MROS in 2012 and faces only organisational-shortcoming charges.
Because Karimova has been detained in Uzbekistan since 2014, Swiss judges must consider a trial in absentia and evidence admissibility.