Raids in Ukraine over corruption: Zelensky ally linked to seized cash
Widespread searches are underway in Ukraine, relating to a major Ukraine corruption case within the energy sector probe.
The investigation reportedly targets the Minister of Justice and a co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio, considered a close Zelensky ally. Following the coordinated raids, prosecutors seized duffel bags reportedly stuffed with cash.
"Fifteen months of work and 1,000 hours of audio recordings were dedicated to documenting the activity of a high-level scheme criminal group," stated Oleksandr Obakumov, Head of the Department of Criminal Investigations at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. "Its members created a nationwide corruption network designed to influence strategic public sector enterprises."
Business figures and high-ranking officials were implicated in the scheme. The current Minister of Justice, German Galushchenko, previously headed the Ministry of Energy. Sources close to the investigation also cited the involvement of Timur Mindich, a former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to reports, Mindich allegedly fled Ukraine just hours before the searches commenced. Intercepted wiretaps show the suspects discussing vast sums of money and the extent of their influence within state institutions.
The suspects had managed to gain control over Energoatom, the state nuclear energy agency, which generates nearly five billion dollars in annual revenue. The accused reportedly demanded bribes from the company's suppliers, with the kickbacks amounting to no less than 10 percent of the value of the signed contracts.
The Ukrainian press has extensively covered the influence of Timur Mindich in recent weeks, as well as his possible involvement in various corruption schemes. The Kyiv Independent reported that Mindich allegedly tried to convince President Zelensky to subordinate the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Following massive public protests, the Ukrainian President abandoned the idea. The scandal re-emphasizes the persistent failure of the Ukrainian state to combat high-level corruption, despite this being a crucial objective for future EU accession.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
