Story perspectives

Swiss Court Dismisses Karimova Money-Laundering Case, She Remains Imprisoned

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Swiss judges dismissed the money-laundering case against Gulnara Karimova, daughter of Uzbek President Islam Karimov, because she could not attend the trial.
Bellinzona trial ended, leaving Karimova imprisoned in Uzbekistan until December 2028.
The presiding judge cited Uzbek authorities’ statement that Karimova will stay incarcerated and said Swiss charges would expire under statute of limitations.
Prosecutors continue proceedings against Lombard Odier, which says the allegations involve organizational shortcomings in anti-money-laundering controls.

History

Historical Context

In February 2009 UBS paid a $780 million fine to the U.S. Department of Justice, ending a money-laundering probe and prompting a major overhaul of its anti-money-laundering controls. The precedent has shaped Swiss enforcement, as seen in 2024 when judges dismissed the case against Gulnara Karimova while prosecutors opened a separate investigation into Lombard Odier for similar compliance failures.

1 of 2

Story summary

Swiss judges dismissed the money-laundering case against Gulnara Karimova, daughter of Uzbek President Islam Karimov, because she could not attend the trial.
Bellinzona trial ended, leaving Karimova imprisoned in Uzbekistan until December 2028.
The presiding judge cited Uzbek authorities’ statement that Karimova will stay incarcerated and said Swiss charges would expire under statute of limitations.
Prosecutors continue proceedings against Lombard Odier, which says the allegations involve organizational shortcomings in anti-money-laundering controls.

1 / 2