Russian prosecutors are seeking 10 years imprisonment for the former Economic Development Minister, Alexei Ulyukayev on corruption charges in the highest profile case of its kind since Soviet times.

Ulyukayev had attempted during the trial to portray himself as the victim of a conspiracy, but the evidence against him was overwhelming, Russian media quoted the charge sheet against him in a Moscow court as saying on Monday.
Prosecutors are also demanding a 500-million-rouble (8.5-million-dollar) fine.

The politician is accused of taking a two-million-dollar bribe from the oil giant Rosneft to grant a permit for the company to take over smaller rival Bashneft.

Ulyukayev is also accused of receiving the cash bribe during a meeting with Rosneft Sechin, but he was arrested in what was a sting operation with the Federal Security Service (FSB).

He has remained under house arrest for about one year.

The former minister claims to be the victim of entrapment.

He is the first high-ranking Russian minister to face charges of bribery since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Rosneft’s Sechin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, has been called to the witness stand several times in the trial, but has failed to appear four times already.

Ulyukayev’s defence team argues that without Sechin’s testimony, there is not enough evidence for a conviction and has called for their client to be released.

It was not clear when a verdict would be delivered.

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