The Ukrainian authorities are actively facilitating the investigation of large-scale corruption in the energy sector, demonstrating determination in countering unlawful actions. This was stated by the European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Maternova, who emphasized the importance of state support and the functioning of independent institutions.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Investigation and EU Position
Katarina Maternova stressed that the ongoing investigation is an important signal for Ukrainian society and international partners. She noted that the fight against corruption is crucial not only for the internal trust of citizens but also for strengthening Ukraine’s position on the international stage.
“And while the sirens continue to sound, Ukraine continues to fight not only against Russia but also for the trust of its citizens and international partners. Many have asked me about the major corruption scandal that has shaken the highest levels of power… it is important that the investigation continues with the support of the authorities,” she wrote on Facebook.
The ambassador emphasized that the reaction of the official Kyiv to the exposure of corruption among high-ranking officials indicates the effective work of independent bodies, as well as intolerance for abuses, regardless of their scale. She also cited the words of EU foreign policy chief, Kaia Kallas, who highlighted the seriousness of the scandal in the energy sector and pointed out the unfortunate timing of its emergence for Ukraine — during a period when the country is under military threat and undergoing the process of Euro-integration.
Progress of the Investigation and Key Figures in the Case
On November 10, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine announced the disclosure of the activities of an organized criminal group that systematically received unlawful benefits from contractors of the state company “Energoatom.” According to the investigation, the size of bribes ranged from 10% to 15% of the value of the contracts concluded, and through a back office in the center of Kyiv, funds amounting to about 100 million dollars were laundered.
As part of the criminal proceedings, NABU has charged eight individuals. Among them are businessman and co-founder of the “Kvartal-95” studio, Timur Mindich (code name “Karlson”), former advisor to the Minister of Energy Igor Mironyuk (“Rocket”), executive director of security at “Energoatom” Dmitry Basov (“Tenor”), as well as Alexander Tsukerman (“Sugar Man”), Igor Fursenko (“Ryoshik”), Lesya Ustimenko, and Lyudmila Zorina. Additionally, former Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov has been suspected of illegal enrichment, who has not yet commented on the law enforcement’s decision.
Maternova emphasized that an independent anti-corruption architecture is critically important for further progress on the path to EU membership, and the active response of Ukrainian authorities is evidence of a serious commitment to combating corruption.