The United Arab Emirates extradited prominent Central Asian businessman Ulugbek Shadmanov to Uzbekistan this week, bypassing conventional judicial procedures and triggering alarm among human-rights advocates and international investors. Shadmanov, chief of United Cement Group (UCG) and a holder of the UAE’s Golden Visa, faces allegations viewed by his legal team as politically motivated.
High-stakes business and political backdrop
Shadmanov, who had been living in Dubai for several years, oversees UCG, the largest cement producer in Central Asia. The group employs more than 7,000 workers across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Despite Shadmanov’s contributions to the UAE’s economy, his ties to Uzbekistan, a country criticised for corruption and human-rights infractions, made him vulnerable to politically driven legal action.
“Entrepreneurs in unstable regimes become easy targets when politics and business collide,” said Radha Stirling, founder of Due Process International. “Fabricated charges often mask attempts to seize lucrative assets.”
Raided in Dubai
On December 10, Dubai authorities reportedly stormed Shadmanov’s residence during a meeting with U.S. attorney Mark Agnifilo, using what witnesses described as an aggressive show of force. Shadmanov was taken to an undisclosed location, denied legal representation, and held in isolation. His sudden extradition on January 8 has raised questions about the UAE’s compliance with its own procedural standards.
Human-rights risks
Uzbekistan’s track record—marked by allegations of torture, arbitrary detentions, and suppression of dissent—has long drawn criticism from international watchdogs. Legal observers say these conditions pose a grave threat to Shadmanov’s safety upon his return.
“If extradited to a regime known for human-rights abuses, Shadmanov faces a genuine risk of coerced confessions and asset seizure,” Stirling said.
Questions on due process
Shadmanov’s forced return also appears to violate the UAE’s obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture, which bars the transfer of individuals to jurisdictions where they may face torture or inhumane treatment. “Extraditions require transparent oversight,” said Agnifilo. “In this case, due process was entirely absent.”
The UAE’s decision stands in contrast to its earlier refusal to comply with a politically charged extradition request for Sherif Osman, a move that had indicated a willingness to consider human-rights concerns.
Legal representation calls for action
In a joint statement, Agnifilo and Stirling condemned the extradition as based on “a fabricated request by Tashkent authorities,” adding that Shadmanov’s life is at risk.
“We urge Uzbekistan to grant immediate access to him for both family members and legal counsel,” they said.
Shadmanov’s team is calling for an independent investigation by the UAE and an immediate halt to any ongoing legal actions, emphasising that basic rights and due process are essential to safeguard investor confidence.
Investor confidence at stake
The incident has cast a shadow over the UAE’s reputation as a global investment hub, especially given the nation’s Golden Visa initiative, which aims to attract high-net-worth individuals and business leaders. The abrupt and opaque handling of Shadmanov’s case could sow doubts among multinational investors who expect legal predictability and fair treatment.
“This goes beyond one individual,” Agnifilo said. “It strikes at the heart of legal protections that underpin global business relationships.”
Shadmanov’s extradition underscores the delicate balance between political interests and economic imperatives in an interconnected world. As his case unfolds, observers warn that the outcome will serve as a bellwether for the region’s broader commitment to the rule of law and international human-rights standards.
