On 14 March, Zarifa Abbasova, who worked for 15 years as an accountant at the European Union (EU) Representation in Azerbaijan, was arrested by the Baku Serious Crimes Court. Abbasova's case, which involves allegations of forging signatures and seals of EU officials and embezzling nearly one million manats, has been pending before the court for almost a year.

Abbasova is charged with embezzlement under Article 179.4 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code. Although a non-custodial measure was initially chosen for her during the investigation and trial, the court decided to remand Abbasova in custody after she failed to attend a court session on 7 March without providing any explanation or documentation for her absence.

Abbasova cited health problems as the reason for missing previous court sessions. However, the indictment alleges that Abbasova falsified monthly reports and withdrew funds from the organisation's account by forging signatures, resulting in the embezzlement of 531,000 euros. Abbasova pleaded guilty to some of the charges and admitted accepting a bribe of approximately €27,000.

In addition to embezzlement, Abbasova also faces charges of abuse of power and forgery, which carry sentences of up to 14 years in prison.