MOSCOW, May 26 (RAPSI) – The Moscow City Court on Monday sentenced state lawmaker Konstantin Shirshov to five years in prison for attempted EUR 7.5 million fraud, RAPSI reports from the courtroom.

The court earlier found that the lawmaker’s guilt had been proven by the witnesses’ testimony and evidence assembled by the investigators.  During the previous hearing, Shirshov submitted a not guilty plea, which was later supported by the alleged victim.

Investigators allege that during the summer of 2011, with the help of his interns, Shirshov attempted to persuade a resident of the Moscow Region to bid on a seat in the State Duma in exchange for EUR 7.5 million. The money apparently would have bought him a place on the federal election list with a guaranteed victory.

Shirshov is currently under restriction notice, and the victim – who has been implicated in another criminal investigation – is being held in detention.  The victim demanded the withdrawal of the judge and prosecutor, but both motions were rejected.