Uzbek Prosecutor-General Names Karimova Suspect In Graft

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A Swedish television documentary offered fresh evidence in May 2013 of a criminal link between Swedish-based telecom giant TeliaSonera and Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of Uzbekistan's autocratic leader, Islam Karimov. The program revealed documents apparently showing TeliaSonera being asked to pay hefty bribes in exchange for protection from government agencies and an infusion of new clients. This is a short excerpt from the documentary series, "Mission: Investigation."

Uzbek prosecutor-general's office has said a person named "Karimova G." is a suspect in a case against an organized criminal group.

Russia's RIA Novosti news agency cited an unnamed source in Uzbek government that mentioned Karimova G. is Gulnara Karimova -- the eldest daughter of Uzbek President Islam Karimov.

Karimova, 42, was a wealthy businesswoman living mainly in Western Europe until a corruption scandal last year led to the closing down of her businesses and her confinement to a Tashkent house.

In a statement issued on September 8, Uzbek prosecutor-general's office said that the criminal group's illegal activities were coordinated by Sodiqov N. and Madumarov R.

In May, two of Karimova's close associates, including businessman Rustam Madumarov, were reportedly sentenced to lengthy prison terms for financial crimes.

According to the prosecutor-general's statement, the group is suspected of blackmailing, extortion, forgery and embezzlement.

Based on reporting by RIA and prokuratura.uz