Major corruption scandal hits Zelensky allies as ministers face probe
Major corruption scandal hits Zelensky allies as ministers face probe
Prosecutors allege kickbacks from Enerhoatom contracts, with money laundering schemes and high-level involvement, as anti-corruption agencies widen their probe.
A major corruption scandal has engulfed top Zelensky allies, with prosecutors alleging that Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and other senior officials received payments from contractors building fortifications for energy infrastructure designed to withstand Russian attacks. The investigation, 15 months in the making and supported by about 1,000 hours of audio recordings, points to a pattern of kickbacks worth 10% to 15% of contract values. Authorities say the proceeds were laundered and then moved outside Ukraine, including to Russia.
Among those named are former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and Timur Mindich, a businessman and co-owner of Zelensky's former TV studio Kvartal95, who has reportedly fled the country. Halushchenko has pledged to defend himself against the accusations, while others involved have denied any wrongdoing, citing professional conduct and adherence to the law.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) said the scheme involved several government figures and that funds were laundered through a Kyiv office linked to the family of former Ukrainian lawmaker and current Russian senator Andriy Derkach. As the case unfolds, prosecutors have begun releasing further wiretaps and snippets, with more expected in the days ahead.
This development comes as Ukraine battles escalating Russian strikes on energy facilities, including substations supplying electricity to nuclear power plants. The scandal threatens to draw renewed scrutiny of corruption within Ukraine's ranks just as NABU and SAP work to strengthen anti-corruption efforts over the past decade, including reforms aimed at increasing government transparency and accountability.
In July, nationwide protests highlighted public discontent over changes seen as curtailing the independence of NABU, underscoring the challenging political backdrop surrounding this ongoing investigation.
Cover image source: Ukraine's government suspends Justice Minister amid energy corruption investigation 🔗
