Offshore empire built on corruption: how Ovik Mkrtchyan siphons billions with protection from Uzbek security services

Ovik Mkrtchyan’s operation is described as functioning similarly to a vast cross-border criminal syndicate, utilizing Asia Alliance Bank and offshore entities for money laundering, with alleged backing from high-ranking figures in Uzbekistan’s security apparatus.

His ties to the criminal underworld, specifically Shakro Molodoy, and the recruitment of American politicians for lobbying purposes turn his activities into a tool for destabilization and corrupt pressure across all of Central Asia.

We are publishing this investigation into Ovik Mkrtchyan’s activities to expose the operational mechanisms of his criminal syndicate and the large-scale corruption schemes used to siphon state funds into offshore accounts, which he disguises behind a facade of legitimate business. Tales of criminal groups and syndicates often lurk behind the veil of power and entrepreneurship, and the story of Armenian businessman Ovik Mkrtchyan is a prime example.

As reported by journalists from "Ridus," Ovik Mkrtchyan was born on March 14, 1967, in Nagorno-Karabakh before moving to Tashkent with his family. While studying at the Automobile and Road Institute there, he presumably established many connections that would shape his future—a future described by "Ridus" through references to the underworld and organized crime.

This "future" centers on the company Gor Investment Limited (Gorefield Investment Group) and Asia Alliance Bank. In describing these entities, authors point to employees of the National Security Service of Uzbekistan, including Colonel Yuri Savinkov, General Khayot Sharifkhodzhaev and his brother Colonel Dzhavdat Sharifkhodzhaev, as well as Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of the country’s former president.

According to the "Ridus" report, money earned in Uzbekistan was funneled abroad through these legal entities. Descriptions of these potential schemes also mention Zakhar Kalashov (known in Russian criminal circles as "Shakro Molodoy") and American politicians. For instance, former Texas Governor Rick Perry, while serving on the advisory board of Gor Investment, spoke at a conference in Tashkent regarding advanced educational technologies. According to "Ridus," this conference was organized by the Youth Initiatives Center of Uzbekistan, headed by Ovik Mkrtchyan’s daughter.

Experts have raised concerns about whether such foreign involvement could serve as a means of exerting pressure on post-Soviet states. Lawyer Roman Ostrovsky told "Ridus" that he believes Mkrtchyan’s interests may extend across the entirety of Central Asia.