Successfully represented Lithuanian investor in treaty arbitration against the Kyrgyz Republic

Motieka’s arbitration team has successfully represented Lithuanian company Garsų Pasaulis in investor-state arbitration against the Kyrgyz Republic.

The dispute related to a contract for the production of biometric passports, part of an initiative by the Kyrgyzstan government to facilitate its citizens’ international travel.

The firm’s client has won the tender in February 2019. However, the procedure to sign the contract was halted in the wake of a criminal investigation commenced by Kyrgyzstan’s public prosecutor’s office and state security agency (GKNB).

Motieka‘s arbitration experts have successfully argued that Kyrgyzstan’s authorities committed discriminatory treatment and expropriation. In an award dated 8 April 2024 the Tribunal has ruled that the Kyrgyz Republic breached our client‘s rights, and expropriated its investments. The Kyrgyz Republic was further ordered to compensate damages and legal costs of our client.