Former High-Ranking Uzbek Security Official Acquired UAE Citizenship, Investigation Reveals
An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service, Ozodlik, has revealed that Otabek Umarov, the son-in-law of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and former deputy head of the Presidential Security Service, acquired citizenship in the United Arab Emirates in April 2023. This acquisition reportedly occurred while Umarov held a position that, under Uzbek military law, prohibits dual citizenship. The investigation also alleges that Umarov owns approximately $7 million worth of real estate in Dubai. Under UAE law, obtaining citizenship typically requires a nomination from a royal court or senior official and an oath of allegiance. Umarov was later named first deputy chairman of Uzbekistan’s National Olympic Committee after being shifted from his security service role.
