MOSCOW. July 24 (Interfax-AVN) - The Moscow Military Garrison Court on Thursday found Georgy Oleinik, former head of the main military budget and financing department of the Russian Defense Ministry, guilty of abuse of office and sentenced him to five years in jail.
The court also ruled to strip Oleinik of his rank of colonel general, the title of "Honored Economist," and his state awards.
In addition, the court forbade Oleinik from working in state positions within three years of his release.
Oleinik will service his sentence in a penal colony.
The court ruled that Oleinik's term will begin on August 8, 2002. The court rejected the civil lawsuit filed by the Defense Ministry against Oleinik. The Defense Ministry sought to recover USD71.73m from Oleinik.
However, the court ruled that civil proceedings should be initiated to resolve the issue.
The damage done by Oleinik is estimated at over USD60m. Oleinik's lawyers said they will file an appeal.