Anorbank shareholder kidnapped in Paris, released after ransom paid

According to the French newspaper, the 48-year-old Uzbek financier was abducted in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Medical reports later confirmed that he showed signs of physical abuse, with doctors at Hôtel-Dieu hospital noting bruises and injuries. Olimov also reported extreme anxiety and sleep disorders following the ordeal.

The victim was reportedly taken by force to a villa outside Nice, where he was beaten, threatened, and subjected to psychological torture – including a simulated throat-slashing. A ransom was demanded for his release. Following the partial payment of the ransom, he was freed on June 25.

French authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the case under the charge of "unlawful detention by a group", and one suspect has already been taken into custody.

Sources cited by Le Monde revealed that Olimov had traveled to France to meet business partners from EDF as part of a gas-cycle power plant project in Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya region. He was staying at the Sofitel Arc-de-Triomphe hotel in Paris, where the abduction began. Reports say a woman identifying herself as "Anastasia," who spoke Russian and English and claimed to work at a beauty salon in Turkey, initiated contact with him at the hotel bar.

Olimov is the principal shareholder of Anorbank, which held assets totaling 10.1 trillion UZS as of January 1, 2025. In 2024, the bank's assets more than doubled, growing by 5.7 trillion UZS.

“Incident is personal, not related to bank operations”

Following media reports, Anorbank released an official statement, clarifying that the incident involving shareholder Qahramon Olimov is entirely personal and has no connection to the bank’s operational activities.

“This is a personal matter and not of a corporate nature. It is not related to the operational activities of the bank,” the statement read.

The bank emphasized that it continues to operate normally and stably, with all departments, services, and digital channels functioning as usual. All current and strategic projects are being implemented according to the approved schedules.

Anorbank also urged media outlets to respect privacy, avoid unverified reporting, and refrain from unnecessary speculation, warning that such actions could negatively impact the ongoing investigation and violate the victim’s right to privacy.

“Anorbank remains committed to being a reliable financial partner for every client, upholding stability, professionalism, and responsibility,” the bank affirmed.

The statement concluded with thanks to clients, partners, and colleagues for their understanding and support:

“We deeply appreciate your empathy, loyalty, and continued trust in Anorbank as a stable and trustworthy institution. Your messages of support reaffirm our mutual respect and reinforce our commitment to transparency and accountability.”