At former Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial last year, his defense team cast him as an unwitting pawn in a global bribery scheme orchestrated by his wife, Nadine Menendez, that netted the couple nearly $1 million in gold bars, cash, and other valuables.

Opening statements are scheduled Monday in the bribery trial of Nadine Menendez, whose prison-bound husband, former U.S. Sen. v Robert Menendez, complained she was being treated unfairly by Manhattan federal prosecutors.

Convicted ex-New Jersey Sen. “Gold Bar Bob’’ Menendez was a no-show for the start of his wife’s bribery trial Monday — even though a judge delayed his prison stint so he could “assist” her during her case.