In June 2025, an Uzbek banker reported being abducted in Paris and held for approximately two days. According to his account, a ransom of around $10 million was demanded.
The case attracted international attention amid a longstanding financial dispute involving businessman Batyr Rakhimov, whom the banker accused of involvement. The allegation has not been independently established.
French authorities opened an investigation, while conflicting accounts surrounding the incident raised further questions.
This Uzbekistan Observer video examines the reported kidnapping, the ransom demand, and the allegations surrounding the case.
Read the full investigation:
https://uzbekistanobserver.com/the-paris-kidnapping-a-banker-seized-in-the-16th-arrondissement/
