Yevgeny Adamov, the former atomic energy minister whom Washington accused of stealing millions in U.S. government funds earmarked for bolstering security at Russian nuclear plants, was sentenced Wednesday to 5 1/2 years in prison.

Adamov was arrested in Switzerland and jailed for nearly six months in 2005 on U.S. prosecutors' request. But Russian officials, fearing he could reveal nuclear secrets, succeeded in having him sent to Russia to face trial on similar charges here.

Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky Court handed down its sentence Wednesday, one day after convicting him of fraud and abuse of office, said city court spokeswoman Anna Usachyova.

Adamov, who held his government post from 1998 to 2001, denied the charges. His defense lawyer, Genri Reznik, said he would appeal.