MOSCOW, July 3, (RAPSI) - The Kirov Regional Court is set to hear oral arguments in timber embezzlement case against renowned opposition whistleblower Alexei Navalny on July 5.

According to the investigators, Navalny organized the theft of over 10,000 cubic meters of timber while serving as a voluntary adviser to the Kirov Region governor.

The timber was allegedly stolen from Kirovles between May and September 2009 in collusion with Pyotr Ofitserov, director of the Vyatka Timber Company, and Kirovles CEO Vyacheslav Opalyov. The regional budget shortfall resulting from the transaction has been estimated at 16 million rubles ($510,906).

If convicted, Navalny faces up to 10 years in prison. He will also be ineligible for any kind of civil service, even if he only receives probation. Opalyov, who made an agreement with the prosecution, has received a four-year suspended sentence.

On Friday Navalny’s motion to hold another set of expert examinations to assess the terms of the agreement between Vyatka Timber Company and Kirovles was rejected.

If convicted, Navalny and Ofitserov face up to 10 years in prison. They will also be ineligible for any kind of civil service, even if they only receive probation.

Opalyov, who made an agreement with the prosecution, has received a four-year suspended sentence.