Russian oil tycoon convicted of theft and fraud

MIKHAIL KHODORKOVSKY was convicted of theft and money laundering charges yesterday, a verdict that will likely keep the jailed oil tycoon who was once Russia’s richest man behind bars for several more years.

The verdict came less than two weeks after Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Khodorkovsky was a proven criminal who should sit in prison, a blunt statement reflecting his stance against the man who challenged his power — remarks denounced by critics as interference in the trial.

Putin, who was president during Khodorkovsky’s first trial, has shown no sign of softening his attitude toward the former oligarch.