The conflict between Russian operator MTS and Uzbek authorities is escalating further after authorities launched proceeding to seize MTS Uzbekistan’s assets.
The seizure of the assets is the latest move in a dispute that has been going on for months…
The conflict between Russian operator MTS and Uzbek authorities is escalating further after authorities launched proceeding to seize MTS Uzbekistan’s assets.
The seizure of the assets is the latest move in a dispute that has been going on for months and began when the operator was accused, among other things, of tax evasion – a claim that MTS denies. Subsequently, a number of managers of MTS’ Uzbek subsidiary were jailed and the company’s operating licences revoked.
Days ago, MTS announced a US$1.1bn write-off of its Uzbek assets.
In a statement today, MTS said its local subsidiary “has not been called in as a party to the process and has been deprived of its legitimate rights to represent its interests during the proceedings which have been orchestrated as a prelude to seizure of its assets.”
The company also confirmed that an appeal against the withdrawal of its licences was not allowed to proceed.
MTS is controlled by Russian conglomerate Sistema.