Disgraced former police officer Ali Dizaei paid just £750 towards the five-figure cost of putting him on trial, it can be disclosed.
Prosecutors originally demanded £64,500 after the former Scotland Yard commander was jailed for four years after being found guilty of corruption in February.
But court officials confirmed his legal team successfully reduced the substantial bill and negotiated four months to pay.
It is understood they argued Dizaei, 47, could not meet the bill and outlined his apparently limited assets in a behind-the-scenes exchange of letters.
Dizaei, who earned about £90,000 until his dismissal, also faced a considerable bill from his defence, headed by Michael Mansfield QC.
Mr Mansfield, who can command up to £1,900 a day for his services, came out of retirement for the four-week trial.
Jailing Dizaei on February 8, Mr Justice Simon was told there would be a "substantial application for costs".
But Mr Mansfield replied: "As far as this defendant is concerned, his career in the police service is at an end.
"What means of support he will be able to continue in the future is highly speculative."
Dizaei was convicted of attempting to frame an Iraqi businessman when they fell out over money, after a jury was told he acted like a gangster.
