MOSCOW, November 12 (RAPSI) – Lower house lawmakers Anton Ishchenko and Ivan Sukharev have proposed adding two Criminal Code articles on sentences for the embezzlement from budget and from state extra-budgetary funds, Izvestia newspaper wrote on Wednesday.

According to the newspaper, the MPs have proposed five to 10 years in a minimum security penal colony for embezzling up to 10 million rubles ($218,000), 7-12 years for embezzling more than 10 million rubles, and from 10 years to life for embezzling more than 50 million rubles (over $1 million).

The authors of the bill admit that this is serious punishment, but argue that those who aspire to civil service positions at federal or municipal agencies must know that embezzling funds from the state and hence the taxpayers will be harshly punished. They say that only harsh measures can help restore order in this area.

Ivan Sukharev said special attention should be given to preventing embezzlement from the state in the current economic situation. This amendment would be especially effective when combined with the laws on the confiscation of embezzlers’ property, he said.

The MP also told Izvestia that the bill doesn’t stipulate such minor punishment as a fine or a suspended sentence, so as to prevent criminals from bribing judges.