CAIRO - An Egyptian criminal court acquitted Saturday former culture minister Farouk Hosni on corruption charges and illicit gains of over 1.5 million U.S. dollars due to lack of evidence, official news agency MENA reported.

Early September 2012, Egypt's anti-graft panel referred Hosni to criminal court over profiteering and illicit gain charges.

The panel then froze Hosni's funds and properties during his trial and demanded him pay over 3 million dollars, double the amount he allegedly made, unless he provides legitimate sources for his wealth. However, Cairo Criminal Court then terminated the decision due to lack of evidence.

Hosni denied all the charges, stressing that his wealth was the result of investments and sales of his paintings.

As an abstract painter, Hosni served as culture minister for nearly 23 years under former President Hosni Mubarak, until he was sacked in 2011 during the upheaval that toppled the regime.