A prominent Greek ex-minister went on trial in Athens on Monday on charges of money laundering linked to controversial arms deals during his years in power.

Facing a sentence of up to 20 years, 73-year-old Akis Tsochatzopoulos is accused of pocketing kickbacks on state contracts to buy a Russian-made anti-missile system and German submarines during his stint as defence minister from 1996 to 2001.

The Greek state ended up paying surcharges of millions of euros.

Tsochatzopoulos, a founding member of the socialist Pasok party, denies the accusations against him.

Other than Tsochatzopoulos, 18 more people, including his current wife, his German ex-wife and his daughter, are accused of complicity.