MOSCOW, December 5 - RAPSI, Maria Petrova. On December 11, the Moscow City court will hear the appeal against the sentence of Merabi Gabunia, sentenced to seven years in prison for smuggling equipment used during the construction of military planes in order to then export it to the United Arab Emirates, the court told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI/rapsinews.com) on Wednesday.

On August 2, the Moscow Region Domodedovsky City Court found that Gabunia, acting as part of a criminal group, smuggled equipment used in constructing the Su-25, Su-25UB, Su-27 and MiG-29 planes from the Domodedovo international airport in January 2010.

Gabunia was charged with smuggling equipment which could be used in constructing military equipment, an offence which is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.

However, last December, the Criminal Code was amended and smuggling ceased to be considered a criminal offense.

Nevertheless, the court decided not to cease the criminal case against Gabunia on these grounds.

The illegal transportation of goods and vehicles across the border is now an administrative offense punishable by a 100,000 rubles fine ($3,226), and which can also result in the confiscation of the counterfeit goods.

The defendant denied his guilt during the trial.