Smirnov, who served as governor from May to December 2024, was arrested last year on fraud charges along with his first deputy Alexei Dedov. They are accused of embezzling public funds intended for defense fortifications along the border with Ukraine.
In court last month, Smirnov testified against his late predecessor Roman Starovoit and struck a plea deal with state prosecutors, allowing his case to be heard without presenting evidence or hearing witnesses.
The court announced Monday that Smirnov will serve 14 years in a maximum security prison and must pay a fine of 400 million rubles (about $5 million).
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of 20.95 million rubles (about $261,500), the same amount Smirnov admitted to receiving in bribes from two construction companies hired by the state to build border fortifications.
In addition, the former governor was stripped of state awards and banned from public office for 10 years after his release from prison.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
