Top TeliaSonera Exec Replaced Over Uzbek Scandal

Tero Kivisaari (file photo)

A top manager of the Swedish telecommunications company TeliaSonera has been replaced amid ongoing investigations into the company's business dealings with a partner in Uzbekistan.

Tero Kivisaari was president of Business Area Mobility Services at TeliaSenora. In a statement, the company said "Kivisaari's role in TeliaSonera's criticized investments in Uzbekistan, and the attention surrounding them, has made it impossible for him to act with the internal and external authority necessary" for his position.

Kivisaari was replaced by Sverker Hannervall, who was named acting president.

The chief executive of TeliaSonera resigned in February after an independent review found the company had failed to carry out proper background checks and conduct due diligence on its Uzbek partner, Takilant. That company is believed to have links with Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of Uzbekistan's president.

Allegations of bribery and money-laundering at TeliaSonera emerged in 2012.