An Ontario judge today sentenced Ottawa businessman Nazir Karigar to three years in prison for arranging bribes to public officials in India in a failed bid to win a $100-million security contract from Air India.

Justice Charles Hackland of Ontario Superior Court in Ottawa convicted Karigar in August 2013 for a conspiracy that dates back to 2005-2006.

In Friday's sentencing, Hackland said that had the conspiracy been successful, it promised payouts of millions in cash and stock options.

"This must be viewed as a serious crime," Hackland told the court Friday. "This was a sophisticated and carefully planned bribery scheme intended to involve senior public officials at Air India and an Indian cabinet minister."

Karigar is the first individual in Canada convicted and sentenced under the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act passed in 1999.

Three companies have been convicted under the law and each paid a fine.

More to come