Former Argentine Vice President Amado Boudou was released from prison under bail Tuesday while he appeals a corruption conviction.

Boudou was freed four months after a court sentenced him to five years and 10 months in prison for bribery and conducting business incompatible with public office.

A court ordered his release on the grounds that the sentence is not firm since it is still being appealed.

Boudou was accused of using shell companies and secret middlemen to gain control of a company that was given contracts to print Argentine currency as well as material for President Cristina Fernandez's election campaign. He was the first sitting Argentine vice president to face such charges.

Boudou also served as economy minister during Fernandez's 2007-2015 administration.