Amsterdam & Partners LLP has submitted a petition to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of Uktam Xasanov, CEO of fintech platform Solfy Uzbekistan, arguing that his arrest and continued detention violate international law and Uzbekistan’s domestic legal obligations. The firm asserts the detention is based on a discriminatory assessment of his position as a local director of a foreign company, rather than legitimate criminal evidence. Mr. Xasanov, an Uzbek national, was arrested in March 2026 amid a dispute with the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NBU).

The submission highlights procedural irregularities, noting that a mandatory audit under Uzbek law was finalized only after Mr. Xasanov had been arrested, charged, and detained for three days. The audit did not substantiate the allegations against him. The filing also points to the close familial relationship between the Chairman of NBU and the Deputy Prosecutor of Tashkent, raising concerns about the impartiality of the proceedings.

Conditions of detention are described as incompatible with domestic law and international standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules). Nearly three months after his arrest, Mr. Xasanov has been denied family visits, telephone communication, and is permitted only censored correspondence. The petition contends the Tashkent court failed to consider less restrictive alternatives to pre-trial detention as required by law.

The firm argues the use of state administrative and criminal powers in a dispute between a state-owned institution and an international investor violates specific protections for entrepreneurial activity in Uzbek law. The petition was filed shortly after the Tashkent International Investment Forum, where Uzbekistan promoted itself as a safe investment destination. Amsterdam & Partners LLP believes Mr. Xasanov’s imprisonment is being used as leverage in the Solfy-NBU dispute.

Robert Amsterdam, Founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, stated that discriminatory prosecution and detention should never be used as leverage in a commercial dispute. He emphasized that Mr. Xasanov has spent months in detention despite the lack of legal basis for the charges and the fundamentally commercial nature of the underlying dispute. The firm calls for his immediate release to ensure his safety and prevent further escalation.