Ukraine Minister also searched for bribery in Kiev
The corruption investigation into the Ukrainian state nuclear company Energoatom continues with searches of former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko. He has been Minister of Justice since July.
11.11.2025, 16:26
SDA
His new ministry in Kiev confirmed the measures. "The minister is fully supporting the law enforcement authorities to ensure a comprehensive, objective and unbiased investigation," it said in a statement. The Ministry of Justice consistently "adheres to the principle of zero tolerance towards corruption". No details of possible allegations were given.
Five initial arrests
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) of Ukraine had announced investigations at Energoatom the day before. The investigation concerns bribes that allegedly flowed during the construction of protective equipment around energy facilities against Russian air attacks. On Tuesday, NABU spoke of five arrests and seven suspected cases. The group is said to have laundered around 100 million US dollars (86.4 million euros) in bribes.
The traces also lead to a confidant and business partner of President Volodymyr Selenskyj from his time as an actor. The man is said to have left Ukraine. Selenskyj demanded that the guilty should be sentenced regardless of who they are.
Nuclear company sees work of nuclear power plants secured
Energoatom spoke of an "incident" which, however, had no impact on the financial stability of the company, electricity production or the safety of the Ukrainian nuclear power plants. Nevertheless, it appears to be the biggest bribery scandal in Ukraine since the war. Despite reforms, the country, which is striving to join the EU, is still considered one of the countries in Europe with the highest susceptibility to corruption.
"This is a low blow. Especially in the current situation, as we are fighting against the Russians who want to occupy our country. And at the same time we still have to fight against corruption," criticized Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko in an interview with the German newspaper "Die Welt".
