BISHKEK, March 27 - RAPSI. A Kyrgyz court has sentenced former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev's son Maxim Bakiyev to 25 years in prison for corruption in absentia, the Kyrgyz Prosecutor General's Office reported in a statement on Wednesday.

In April 2010, Kurmanbek Bakiyev - who came to power following the 2005 Tulip Revolution - was ousted in a coup. Kurmanbek Bakiyev and his brother Janysh, who were placed on the international wanted list, were sentenced in February in absentia to lengthy prison terms for killing their political opponents. Meanwhile, prosecutors state that Maxim Bakiyev was involved in corruption scandals together with his companions while heading the Central Agency for Development, Innovation and Investments. He allegedly used his position to illegally privatize facilities such as a Lake Issyk Kul recreation and treatment center and the government's stake in Severelectro. The actions resulted in damages of over 300 million soms (about $7 million) for the Kyrgyz government.

In October 2012, Maxim Bakiyev was arrested in London by the law enforcement agencies upon the request of the United States. He had earlier fled to the UK to escape trial. The U.S. Justice Department has accused Bakiyev of conspiring in securities fraud and the obstruction of justice. A London court has released him on bail. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan seeks Maxim Bakieyv's extradition.