Paris- Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy in connection with millions of euros in illicit funds allegedly received from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The Paris criminal court acquitted him of other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing, but ruled that he must still serve jail time. Sarkozy, 70, who led France from 2007 to 2012, has vowed to appeal.

After Thursday’s verdict, Sarkozy described the decision as “extremely serious for the rule of law” and insisted the case was politically motivated. Prosecutors claimed he used Gaddafi’s money to finance his 2007 presidential campaign, promising in return to help Gaddafi improve his standing with Western powers.

Judge Nathalie Gavarino said Sarkozy allowed aides to approach Libyan officials for campaign funds, though the court found insufficient evidence that he personally benefited. He was also fined €100,000 ($117,000).

The investigation began in 2013 after Gaddafi’s son, Saif al-Islam, accused Sarkozy of taking millions. Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine later claimed Sarkozy’s campaign was heavily financed by Tripoli, with payments continuing after he took office.

Other senior officials were also convicted: former Interior Minister Claude Gueant was found guilty of corruption, while ex-minister Brice Hortefeux was convicted of criminal conspiracy. Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, faces separate charges of hiding evidence, which she denies.