How Much of Gulnara Karimova's Assets Have Been Returned to Uzbekistan and Where Have They Been Spent?

To shed light on the current use of these returned funds and to ensure transparency, a press conference was recently held in the city of Almalyk.

According to Otabek Fazilkarimov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, the $87 million deposited into the Trust Fund was equally divided—$43.5 million each—for the healthcare and education sectors.

Foto:Paradigma.uz/Otabek Fazilkarimov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan

“In the healthcare sector, the plan was to equip all 231 maternity facilities across Uzbekistan with 23 types of modern medical equipment. Over 5,840 units of such equipment have already been delivered to Uzbekistan. These purchases were made through the United Nations,” he stated.

Elmira Basitkhanova, Deputy Minister of Health, noted that there had been a lack of investment in equipping maternity centers for the past 30 years.

Foto: Paradigma.uz/Elmira Basitkhanova, Deputy Minister of Health

“We are deeply grateful to our President. The funds from the Trust have allowed us to purchase equipment for neonatal resuscitation, CPAP machines, hydrophilic devices for infants, and artificial respiration monitors for pregnant women. A large expert group analyzed the needs of each maternity center, and purchases were made accordingly,” she said.

Gulnara Karimova is known to have assets in the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Russia, and other countries. Negotiations are currently underway to return additional funds from Belgium.

“Currently, negotiations are ongoing with the Belgian government to return $108 million. We will provide updates as the situation progresses,” said Deputy Minister Fazilkarimov.

According to Konstantin Obolensky, Switzerland's ambassador to Uzbekistan, the $313 million returned so far is only a portion of the total amount frozen.

Foto:Paradigma.uz/ Konstantin Obolensky, Switzerland's ambassador to Uzbekistan

“These funds have been definitively confiscated. After freezing the assets, a legal process is initiated. If the funds are confirmed to be of illicit origin, they are confiscated and may then be returned. Switzerland and Uzbekistan share the principle that all confiscated assets should be returned for the benefit of the Uzbek people. Switzerland retains no part of these funds except for covering procedural costs,” said the ambassador.

When asked whether the medical equipment at perinatal centers is being presented as a government initiative or as returned assets from Karimova, Elmira Basitkhanova responded:

“We always tell the public, doctors, and nurses that this equipment was purchased with funds returned to the Uzbek people. It is not portrayed as government budget spending. Everyone involved is made aware of their responsibility in ensuring these resources directly benefit mothers and children.”

Oyatillo Rakhmataliyev, head of a department at the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, said $43.5 million allocated to education was split into two main projects: $23.5 million to expand digital education through IT solutions, and $20 million to improve climate resilience and hygiene in schools.

UNICEF has also played an active role in the spending of the returned funds.

Foto:Paradigma.uz/Regina Maria Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan.

“We are happy to be part of the first phase of this project. A total of 230 perinatal centers are being equipped with 23 types of devices, significantly enhancing maternal and child health services in Uzbekistan. Around 11,000 doctors and nurses are currently being trained,” said Regina Maria Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan.

Feruza Turaeva, Deputy Head for Maternal and Child Health at the Almalyk Medical Association, confirmed that 23 types of medical devices had been delivered to their perinatal center using returned assets, and doctors are now using them after undergoing special training.

Foto:Paradigma.uz/Feruza Turaeva, Deputy Head for Maternal and Child Health at the Almalyk Medical Association

Among the equipment received were CPAP machines, artificial ventilators, cardiomonitors, vacuum extractors, and cardiotocographs. 

“We had some of this equipment before, but not enough. Now we can fully provide care for newborns,” she said.

Feruza Rakhmatullaeva, Deputy Head of Maternal and Child Health at the Tashkent Regional Health Department, stated that the funds have found their rightful place.

Foto: Paradigma.uz/Feruza Rakhmatullaeva, Deputy Head of Maternal and Child Health at the Tashkent Regional Health Department

Previously, PARADIGMA.UZ reported that Jonas Atrup, head of the Trust Fund Secretariat, confirmed that $131 million of Karimova’s illicit funds had been returned to Uzbekistan following negotiations between Uzbekistan and Switzerland.