Ukraine has initiated a significant investigation into allegations of extensive corruption within the energy sector, as announced by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). The agency revealed on Monday that it has gathered evidence regarding the operations of a high-level criminal organization.
Working in conjunction with the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), NABU reported that this group has orchestrated a substantial corruption scheme aimed at exerting control over key state-owned enterprises, particularly Energoatom, Ukraine’s nuclear energy agency. The investigations indicate that the group was reportedly demanding bribes from Energoatom’s contractors, representing 10-15% of the total contract value.
According to the NABU, the management of this pivotal enterprise, which generates annual revenues exceeding €4 billion, was allegedly conducted not by authorized officials, but by individuals lacking any formal governance.
Extensive investigation efforts
The investigation, spanning 15 months and involving around 1,000 hours of wiretaps, culminated in 70 raids conducted by the agency. The released recordings purportedly capture conversations involving Ihor Myroniuk, a former advisor to ex-Energy Minister Halushchenko, and Dmytro Basov, who previously served as a prosecutor and the head of Energoatom’s physical security.
Myroniuk has a notable background, having worked as an aide to Andrii Derkach, a former Ukrainian lawmaker now recognized as a Russian senator since 2024. The NABU claims that both Myroniuk and Basov effectively controlled all procurement activities within Energoatom.
Among those implicated is Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Mindich is known as the co-owner of Kvartal 95, a production company that was previously co-owned by the president himself. Following his election in 2019, Zelenskyy divested his stake, but reports suggest that the two have maintained connections, with investigative sources noting that the president celebrated a birthday in Mindich’s residence in 2021.
Government’s stance on corruption
Recent audio tapes, reportedly containing discussions between Mindich—believed to be the group’s leader—and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, have come to light amid the probe. Halushchenko previously served as energy minister until July of this year.
In response to the unfolding investigation, President Zelenskyy addressed the nation, highlighting the necessity of effective anti-corruption measures. He stated,
“Any effective actions against corruption are urgently needed. The inevitability of punishment is necessary.”
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity within Energoatom, which he described as vital for Ukraine’s energy generation.
The president called for collaborative efforts between government officials and NABU to ensure accountability, affirming that
“in the energy sector, every industry and everyone who has been involved in corruption schemes must face clear legal consequences and convictions must be handed down.”
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko also expressed her cabinet’s commitment to support NABU and SAPO throughout the investigation, underscoring that combating corruption remains a top priority for the government. She stated,
“There should be sentences and inevitable punishment for any offences.”