Deputy Energy Minister detained in Kyiv for $0.5 mln bribe
The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), with assistance from Ukraine's Minister of Energy uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme organized by a deputy minister. Following a series of comprehensive steps, the deputy minister of energy was detained in Kyiv while taking a $500,000 bribe, according to a statement from the press service of the Security Service.
"For this amount, the official, exploiting his authority, promised the heads of state-owned enterprises in the Lviv-Volyn coal basin to facilitate the unimpeded transfer of mining equipment from frontline areas in Donbas. This equipment, owned by one of the state coal companies, is located in Pokrovsk, one of the most critical regions on the eastern front," the Security Service said on the Telegram channel.
Industry representatives had approached the deputy minister in the spring of 2024, seeking permission to evacuate the equipment from the combat zone and use it in mines in the western region. However, the official began demanding money in exchange for the permission to move the equipment.
"He involved three accomplices in his illegal activities: a private energy trader, the head of an energy company from Mykolaiv region, and the head of a mining enterprise from Donetsk region. The evacuation of the equipment was to start from this mining enterprise after the organizer of the deal received a portion of the bribe," the Security Service said.
The transfer of the illegal payment was carried out through these accomplices. The Security Service documented each tranche step by step, leading to the detention of the Ministry of Energy official and his three accomplices "in the act" after receiving part of the bribe.
All four detainees have been charged under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (acceptance of an offer, promise, or receipt of an improper benefit by an official). The question of their pretrial detention is being considered.
The investigation continues to establish all the circumstances of the crime and to hold those responsible accountable. The perpetrators face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
