A court has recognized the evidence gathered by the Moscow Main Investigations Directorate of the Russia’s Investigative Committee sufficient to convict ex-mayor of the town of Khimki Oleg Shakhov. He was found guilty of abusing authority (part 3 of article 286 of the Russian Penal Code).

The court and investigators have revealed that Shakhov allowed illegal actions while preparing documents and concluding in 2008 a state contract on transfer of gas pipe networks running across Khimki Woodland Park. He was aware that it was impossible to execute but none the less concluded the contract with a company and paid over 21 million rubles in advance. The budget of the Russian Federation suffered damage.

The court has sentenced Shakhov to 6 years in prison with 5 years on probation.