Russian ex-minister Alexei Ulyukayev found guilty of taking $2 million bribe

Russia’s former economic development minister, Alexei Ulyukayev, was found guilty on Friday of accepting a $2 million bribe — becoming the highest ranking official to be charged with corruption since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Ulyukayev was arrested in November 2016 “in the act” of receiving a suitcase containing a $2 million bribe in exchange for supporting state oil giant Rosneft’s purchase of another oil firm, Bashneft. Ulyukayev insists he was framed by Rosneft chief Igor Sechin.

Mr Sechin is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin and Ulyukayev’s arrest last year sent waves through the Moscow elite. The trial has also sparked talk of a potential rift in the Russian political class.

The judge presiding over the Ulyukayev case began reading her verdict on Friday morning — a process that can take several hours. A sentence has not yet been given. Last week, prosecutors asked for 10 years in prison.

More to follow...