Abu Dhabi gives former BCCI execs prison sentences of up to 14 years.

ABU DHABI -- Agha Hasan Abedi, the founder of the collapsed Bank of Credit and Commerce International, and his top aide, Swaleh Naqvi, were among 12 former BCCI executives convicted yesterday on various charges of fraud.

Sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 14 years, the BCCI executives were also ordered to pay a total of $9.13 billion in restitution to the Abu Dhabi government.

Mr. Abedi failed to answer summonses to appear for the trial, and was sentenced in absentia to an eight-year prison term. He is said to be bedridden in his home in Lahore, Pakistan.

His top aide, Mr. Naqvi, received the longest sentence, 14 years. A British subject, he was extradited to the U.S. last month to face charges there.

Ruling Family the Major Stockholder

The restitution was ordered in response to a civil suit filed separately by Abu Dhabi's government, whose ruling Al Nayhan family owned 77.4% of BCCI's shares.

The nonjury trial began in October and concluded April 24.

Lawyers said they would file appeals. Some said they would seek compensation for clients who had been kept in police custody for nearly three years.

BCCI, which had branches in 69 countries, was seized by international bank regulators on July 5, 1991 in what is considered to be one of the world's largest bank frauds.

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