<h1>Embezzlement and money laundering conviction leads to long prison sentence and asset forfeiture for former defence official.</h1> Convicted former deputy defence minister received imprisonment, a monetary fine, and forfeiture of seized cash, while extensive movable and immovable property remains attached. Proceedings were partly held in camera due to classified information; the defendant denies the charges and intends to appeal. Investigators describe organised schemes involving diversion of defence procurement funds, laundering through chains of companies and fictitious consulting agreements, contrived currency transactions to misappropriate bank funds, and separate bribery allegations tied to patronage and free construction works, with further investigations ongoing.