Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Humans has issued an official statement regarding its ongoing dispute with Octobank JSC and the actions of the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The document was published on the company's official website.

Octobank’s claim for 500 billion soums remains unsubstantiated

According to the statement, the lawsuit filed by Octobank in the Tashkent Interdistrict Economic Court in January 2025 has not yet been legally resolved. For more than five months of litigation, the bank has failed to present sufficient evidence to substantiate the claimed amount. Court hearings have been repeatedly postponed, which, in Humans' view, indicates that the claimant lacks a sound legal position.

The company further notes that the Central Bank's involvement in the process as an expert has effectively turned into the exercise of supervisory functions. Despite its declared role as an expert, the regulator conducted an inspection and issued a legal opinion, which, according to Humans, goes beyond its authority in commercial disputes between financial institutions.

Humans regards this as a form of administrative pressure disguised as a legal claim.

Counterclaim and appeal to the Prosecutor’s Office

Humans announced its intention to file a counterclaim against Octobank for the systematic violation of contractual obligations. According to the company, the bank has repeatedly ignored requests from holders of Humans VISA cards or delayed their consideration. These actions, in Humans’ view, reflect Octobank’s inability to fulfill its responsibilities as an issuer and to maintain essential operational functions.

In addition, Humans is demanding the return of 403.7 billion soums previously transferred to Octobank, claiming it to be unjust enrichment.

The company will also submit a formal appeal to the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan, requesting an investigation into the regulator’s inaction and the bank’s alleged misconduct.

Humans also reminded that in September 2024, Octobank attempted to debit funds from the accounts of Maroqand JSC based on falsified documents submitted to third-party banks. The total amount of these illegitimate claims reached 292.8 billion soums. Despite two official appeals submitted by Humans to the Central Bank, no supervisory response followed.

Concerns over regulatory bias

Humans expressed concern about what it describes as the regulator’s selective approach. For example, despite confirmed transactions related to gambling payments processed via Cross Pay LLC, the Central Bank has taken no action. All submitted evidence — including screenshots, transactional data, and records of violations — were left unanswered.

At the same time, the regulator, according to the statement, is actively participating in a commercial dispute in favor of one party, which, in Humans’ view, undermines the objectivity and institutional impartiality of the Central Bank.

International arbitration and legal review at the global level

Humans emphasized that until October 2024 it had acted in good faith and fulfilled its obligations to Octobank. However, in September of the same year, the Central Bank, without explanation and in violation of established procedures, effectively blocked the operations of the payment organization Maroqand JSC, a key component of the Humans ecosystem. This decision served as the basis for Humans’ appeal to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) under the World Bank.

The company declares its readiness to use all legal mechanisms — both within the national and international legal frameworks — to protect the interests of its business, clients, and investors. In Humans' opinion, actions carried out under the guise of formal procedures will not go without proper assessment — both domestically and internationally.