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Business Tycoon Gaydamak Sentenced to Jail
A few hours ago, a French court sentenced Russian-Israeli businessman Arkadi Gaydamak to six years in jail for illegal weapons trade and fraud. Gaydamak is currently staying in Russia, which does not have an extradition treaty with France. In Israel, Gaydamak faces serious charges of fraud and money laundering
Controversial billionaire Arkadi Gaydamak was sentenced to six years in prison by a French court today, due to his involvement in the Angolagate affair together with French arms dealer Pierre Falcone. Gaydamak was charged of illegal weapons trade and money laundering. Another 41 people who were involved in the case were also charged.
Gaydamak was not present during the trial as he is currently in Russia, which does not have an extradition treaty with France. He has been staying in Russia ever since he left Israel ten months ago.
In Israel, Gaydamak is also facing serious charges of fraud and money laundering, totaling 650 million NIS in the Bank Hapoalim affair.
Gaydamak's partner, French arms dealer Pierre Falcone, was also sentenced to six years in prison. Jean-Cristophe Miterrand, son of late former French president Francois Miterrand, was given a suspended two-year sentence and a hefty fine, and former French interior minister Charles Pasque was fined for 100,000 euros and given a one-year jail sentence.
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