Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko has been found guilty of conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the US earlier this year and has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

        Yaroshenko and Nigerian Chigbo Peter Umeh were arrested in Liberia in 2010 and transported to the United States on charges of smuggling a large bunch of cocaine, part of which was destined to the US.

      In April the New York Federal Court convicted Yaroshenko of conspiring to smuggle drugs into America. Sentencing in his case was posponed until September 7. Umeh was sentenced to 30 years in jail in late July.

      The case itelf sets a major precedent as it is the first time that a Russian citizen has been sentenced to a prison term in the US for intent to participate in a crime in a case that was built by special agents posing as drug dealers.

      Konstantin Yaroshenko is a family man with no criminal background whatsoever and he has never previously stood trial. He has never ever been in the USA until he was snatched by US special agents to stand trial.

        Yaroshenko repeatedly pleaded not guilty in this case and denied any involvement in drugs trafficking. He even bursted into tears as the sentence was announced. Earlier he complained about "the physical and psychological pressure" exerted on him after his arrest.

      Neither Yaroshenko’s family nor the Russian authorities were informed of his arrest. At first Yaroshenko was even considered missing as the Russian side had no information of his whereabouts.

        Russian officials say it is a violation of diplomatic conduct and international law and accused the United States of kidnapping Yaroshenko.

Sources: RIA Novosti Russia Today

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