Uzbek authorities ordered the seizure of all the assets of mobile operator MTS' local subsidiary following a criminal investigation.
MTS, part of the extensive conglomerate Sistema, last week took a $1.1 billion write-off in connection with the withdrawal of its Uzbek operating license following the arrest of four local managers on criminal charges.
MTS has argued that the campaign is an unwarranted attack on its business of the type that forced out other foreign investors such as London-listed Oxus Gold.
MTS said in a statement Friday that the Judicial Department of Tashkent had initiated enforcement proceedings to seize all the assets of Uzdunrobita, the company's local subsidiary.
It added that Uzdunrobita had not been called in as a party to the process and therefore had been deprived of its legal right to represent the interests of its managers.
"The decision ... clearly testifies to the intentions of the Uzbek authorities to illegally expropriate MTS' assets in the shortest possible time frame," the company said.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
