Swiss Ambassador: Returned Funds to Uzbekistan Support Schools and Social Projects

Switzerland's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Konstantin Obolenskiy has reaffirmed that Switzerland is repatriating assets obtained from criminal sources to Uzbekistan, with the funds being directed toward projects that reduce poverty and improve social infrastructure. Speaking to Dunyo at the III International Forum “From Poverty to Prosperity” in the Uzbek city of Namangan, Obolenskiy expressed admiration for Uzbekistan’s reported progress. “I had the privilege to attend the opening of the forum, and I was deeply impressed by the outcomes announced, how many people have been lifted out of poverty, how new economic and social assistance is being provided, the conditions being created so people can live a dignified life. This information is very important,” he said. The ambassador underscored Switzerland’s direct involvement in supporting Uzbekistan’s anti-poverty efforts. “We are returning to Uzbekistan funds taken from criminal sources, and these funds are being used for social projects that directly contribute to poverty reduction,” he stated. As an example, Obolenskiy pointed to a new initiative being signed at the forum. “Documents are being signed for a project to modernize over forty schools, improving sanitation and hygiene facilities such as toilets and showers, and enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings. All this is done in the interest of the people, for the country’s future.” He emphasized that the asset repatriation process reflects the shared will of both the Swiss and Uzbek governments. “The results achieved in reducing poverty are remarkable and these pleased not only me but all forum participants. In Uzbekistan, we believe every person has the right to fully realize their economic and social potential and live in dignity.” Swiss authorities have long been involved in legal proceedings related to Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of Uzbekistan’s late president. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Switzerland has agreed to return approximately $182 million in confiscated assets linked to Karimova. These funds were seized during Swiss criminal investigations and will be transferred to Uzbekistan through the UN-managed Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund. A separate, earlier agreement between the two countries involved the return of around $131 million, also tied to Karimova, using the same trust fund mechanism.

From Mansions to Classrooms: Kazakhstan Turns Corruption Assets into Public Good

Kazakhstan is actively reclaiming assets obtained through corrupt practices and redirecting them toward social development. Confiscated properties, including luxury mansions, high-end vehicles, and even ancient jewelry, are being allocated for public benefit, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These efforts form part of a broader anti-corruption campaign under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which aims to transform stolen wealth into schools, hospitals, and public services while restoring public trust in government. Luxury Assets Reallocated for Public Use Over the past several years, billions of dollars in assets have been returned to the state budget. On September 5, officials announced that a luxurious mansion formerly owned by convicted ex-Prime Minister and ex-head of the National Security Committee Karim Massimov had been transferred to the Ministry of Education. Located in Astana, the property will be converted into a center for children with special needs. Initially slated for auction, the villa was withdrawn from sale and reassigned for social use. Massimov, who was sentenced in 2023 to 18 years in prison for high treason, attempted coup, and abuse of office, had amassed large amounts of property and luxury goods now being liquidated or redirected to state use. [caption id="attachment_35913" align="aligncenter" width="1303"] Image: National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan; a luxury mansion once owned by ex-Prime Minister Karim Massimov, complete with a disco bar, private theater, pool, and 30 rooms[/caption] This approach is not limited to Massimov’s holdings. In 2025, assets belonging to Perizat Kairat, the founder of a high-profile charity fund, were confiscated after she and her mother were convicted of embezzling donations meant for flood victims. The case shocked the country, as Kairat had been celebrated for her volunteer work before investigations revealed widespread fraud. She received a 10-year prison sentence while her mother was given seven years. Their seized property included a private house and apartments in Astana, along with luxury vehicles such as a Mercedes-Benz S450, Lexus LX 600, and Mercedes EQS 500. Authorities announced that these assets would be auctioned, with proceeds used to compensate victims defrauded by the foundation. [caption id="attachment_35911" align="aligncenter" width="649"] Image: Instagram; Perizat Kairat in Abu Dhabi[/caption] A Legal Framework for Asset Recovery A legal framework for asset recovery underpins these actions. In July 2023, Tokayev signed the Law “On the Return of Illegally Acquired Assets to the State,” targeting entities involved in large-scale corruption and oligopolistic practices. The law established an Asset Recovery Committee and a state management company to oversee confiscated property. It also created mechanisms to repatriate funds hidden abroad. Since its adoption, Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Agency has recovered approximately 1.12 trillion KZT, ($2.1 billion) in assets and funds. These reclaimed resources are being reinvested in critical sectors. Examples of reallocated property illustrate the scale of the initiative. In Almaty, the Kaisar Tower business center, once privately owned, was transferred to the Kazakh National Women’s Pedagogical University. Another building in the city was handed over to the T. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts. In Astana, three mansions confiscated from corrupt officials are...