
Attempted Secret Plot to Target Uzbek Officials with U.S. Sanctions Foiled

The recent headlines surrounding the alleged manipulation of the U.S. sanctions system have brought to light a tangled web of political and business rivalries originating from Uzbekistan. The saga unfolded following an assassination attempt on former Uzbek official Komil Allamjonov in October 2024, shedding light on a complex narrative that spans multiple countries, including Uzbekistan, Cyprus, the UAE, and the United States.
One key figure in this intricate tale is Ulugbek Shadmanov, a well-known Uzbek businessman dubbed the “cement king” of Uzbekistan. Shadmanov made headlines when he was reportedly detained in Dubai in December 2024 and later “unlawfully extradited” to Uzbekistan, sparking debate about his role in the escalating tensions. While some portray Shadmanov as a successful entrepreneur targeted by political foes, documents obtained by The Diplomat suggest a different story. These records point to Shadmanov’s alleged involvement in a failed attempt to sway U.S. sanctions on Uzbek officials associated with a rival faction.
At the center of the controversy is United Cement Group (UCG), Uzbekistan’s largest cement producer, owned by Shadmanov. UCG’s acquisition of significant assets through murky transactions has raised eyebrows, with some speculating that foreign interests may have benefited from these deals. The plot thickens with businessman Ovik Mkrtchyan’s complaint to Uzbekistan’s Prosecutor General’s Office, alleging that Shadmanov and his business associate mistreated him to extort money and gather incriminating information on Uzbek officials. Mkrtchyan also claimed that Shadmanov pressured him to assist in imposing U.S. sanctions on certain Uzbek figures.
Letters uncovered by The Diplomat detail a scheme to leverage Mkrtchyan’s connections to influential U.S. figures to push for sanctions against specific Uzbek officials, including Allamjonov and Dmitry Li. The letters outline a troubling pattern of using foreign lobbying channels to settle personal scores under the guise of legitimate political concerns, escalating to disinformation campaigns and even an assassination attempt when initial attempts failed.
The situation has exposed internal rivalries within Uzbekistan, with allegations of a shadowy network wielding disproportionate influence over businesses and officials. Described as a “state within a state,” this network reportedly employs smear tactics to achieve its objectives. The Diplomat’s investigation underscores the intricate dynamics of political and business dealings in Uzbekistan, revealing the lengths some individuals may go to in pursuit of their agendas.
While the letters provide detailed insights into the upheaval, many questions still linger unanswered. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential misuse of international systems for personal gain or political maneuvering, prompting broader concerns about the ethical boundaries in global affairs.