Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested the resignation of Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko due to an ongoing investigation into corruption within the energy sector. This investigation stems from allegations made by anti-corruption bodies which suggest that high-level officials have been involved in a significant embezzlement scheme estimated to be worth around $100 million, including involvement from the national nuclear operator, Enerhoatom.
The allegations suggest that Justice Minister Halushchenko and other officials received illicit payments from contractors responsible for constructing fortifications against Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Among those named in the investigation are former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and Timur Mindich, a businessman and co-owner of Zelensky’s former television studio, who reportedly has left the country.
Halushchenko has announced his intention to defend himself against the accusations, while Grynchuk asserted that she had not violated any laws in her official capacity. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) report that the investigation, which took 15 months and involved 1,000 hours of audio recordings, indicates systematic kickbacks from Enerhoatom contractors, which ranged between 10% and 15% of contract values.
The investigation has also revealed that significant amounts of money may have been laundered through operations linked to former Ukrainian lawmaker and current Russian senator Andriy Derkach. NABU has been gradually releasing details from the investigation, including reports of cash being funneled outside Ukraine, some allegedly to Russia.
This scandal arises amidst heightened Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in Ukraine, a persistent issue despite efforts from NABU and SAP over the past decade. In July, widespread public protests erupted over measures perceived to undermine the independence of these anti-corruption bodies, raising fears about Ukraine’s status as a candidate for European Union membership and its commitment to combating corruption. The recent developments may further intensify scrutiny of President Zelensky’s dedication to anti-corruption reforms.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8vw62j3g9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss