Swiss Court Begins Trial Against Gulnara Karimova and Lombard Odier Bank

Apr 27, 2026, 10:56

Introduction

The Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona has started a trial involving Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of the late former Uzbek President Islam Karimov, and the private bank Lombard Odier. Both are facing charges related to money laundering.

Main Body

Prosecutors claim that between 2005 and 2013, Karimova ran a criminal organization known as 'The Office.' This group is accused of moving hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal funds into Swiss bank accounts and using safe deposit boxes to hide cash and valuables. A former director of a Russian telecommunications company's branch in Uzbekistan is also mentioned in the legal charges. At the same time, the Geneva-based bank Lombard Odier and a former employee are accused of helping to hide these funds. Although the bank has denied any illegal activity, it admitted that there may have been weaknesses in its systems for preventing money laundering. Currently, Karimova is serving a 13-year prison sentence in Uzbekistan for crimes including embezzlement and extortion. Her lawyers stated that Uzbek authorities have stopped her from traveling to Switzerland for the trial. Despite this, the defense is demanding a full acquittal. The court expects the proceedings to continue until May 22, though a final date for the verdict has not been set.

Conclusion

The trial is now proceeding in Switzerland to decide if Gulnara Karimova and Lombard Odier are legally responsible for the alleged laundering of illegal funds from Uzbekistan.

Vocabulary Learning

accused (v.)

to charge someone with wrongdoing被指控

Example:She was accused of hiding funds.

acquittal (n.)

a judgment that someone is not guilty釋放

Example:The defense demanded an acquittal.

criminal (adj.)

illegal / unlawful非法的

Example:He was labeled as a criminal by the court.

laundering (n.)

the illegal process of making money look legitimate洗錢

Example:The bank was accused of laundering money.

organization (n.)

a group of people working together for a common purpose組織

Example:The organization was involved in illicit activities.

Sentence Learning

Prosecutors claim that between 2005 and 2013, Karimova ran a criminal organization known as ''The Office.''

Relative Clause: This clause adds essential information about the organization, specifying its name.關係子句: 這個子句為關於組織提供必要的補充資訊，說明其名稱。

A former director of a Russian telecommunications company''s branch in Uzbekistan is also mentioned in the legal charges.

Passive Voice: The sentence uses passive construction to focus on the fact that the director is mentioned, rather than who mentioned him.被動語態: 這句使用被動語態，將焦點放在前導主任被提及這件事上，而非誰提及。

Although the bank has denied any illegal activity, it admitted that there may have been weaknesses in its systems for preventing money laundering.

Contrast Linking Word (although): The word 'although' introduces a contrast, showing that despite the bank's denial, weaknesses were admitted.對比連接詞 (although): 'although' 引入對比，顯示儘管該銀行否認非法活動，但仍承認存在弱點。

Despite this, the defense is demanding a full acquittal.

Contrast Linking Word (despite): The word 'despite' connects two clauses, indicating that even though the defense is restricted, they still demand acquittal.對比連接詞 (despite): 'despite' 將兩個子句連接，表示儘管辯護方受到限制，他們仍要求完全無罪釋放。

The court expects the proceedings to continue until May 22, though a final date for the verdict has not been set.

Contrast Linking Word (though): The word 'though' introduces a concession, showing that although a final verdict date hasn't been set, the court expects the proceedings to continue.對比連接詞 (though): 'though' 引入讓步，顯示儘管尚未設定最終裁決日期，法院仍預期程序將繼續。