embezzlement

Toulouse told AFP they were glad an investigation had been opened saying they and Jaminet were the victims of "embezzlement".

In New York, the statute of limitations for criminal fraud and embezzlement is generally five years for felonies and two years for misdemeanors.

On Tuesday night, Sylvia Bongo and Noureddin Bongo were found guilty of embezzlement and corruption after a trial that began a day earlier in their absence.

Sylvia Bongo, 62, and Noureddin Bongo, 33, both tried in absentia, were found guilty of embezzlement of public funds, among other charges.

The accusations against Timur Mindich are the latest episode in a sweeping corruption scandal involving claims of massive embezzlement from the energy sector, even as the country's infrastructure is battered by Russian attacks.