Ukraine Conducts Corruption Probe Targeting Energy Sector
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said in a statement that, together with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), it carried out a months-long probe aimed at exposing corruption in key state enterprises. The investigation, NABU said, spanned 15 months and included 1,000 hours of audio recordings.
“The activities of a high-level criminal organization have been documented,” the statement said, alleging the network sought to exert control over “strategic state-sector enterprises,” particularly the national nuclear energy provider Energoatom.
In a follow-up statement, NABU said those involved attempted to secure illicit gains worth 10% to 15% of state contract values. “In particular, Energoatom's counterparties were imposed conditions for paying kickbacks for avoiding blocking payments for services provided/products delivered or deprivation of supplier status,” the agency said.
According to NABU, the alleged ringleaders included an energy ministry adviser and a former law enforcement officer who previously oversaw security at Energoatom. Their scheme, it said, involved manipulating personnel decisions, procurement processes, and financial flows within the ministry and the state-owned company, through which an estimated $100 million was funneled.
NABU’s chief detective Oleksandr Abakumov confirmed in a video address that 70 searches had been conducted as part of the sweeping operation.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak of the Holos political party wrote on Telegram that the home of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, who previously served as energy minister from April 2021 to July 2024, was among the properties searched by investigators.
Zheleznyak later submitted two draft bills to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, seeking the dismissal of Halushchenko and current Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk. The bills were registered on the parliament’s website, though neither official has commented publicly.
In a separate statement, Energoatom, which operates Ukraine’s four nuclear power plants, confirmed that NABU and SAPO investigators were present at the company’s offices.
“Energoatom fully cooperates with investigative bodies, provides all requested materials, and contributes to an objective and transparent investigation. The company does not impede the conduct of procedural actions and is interested in a comprehensive clarification of all circumstances,” it said.
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