Ukraine Reels from Energy Sector Corruption Scandal, Detentions Made
Kyiv, Ukraine - A major corruption scandal has rocked Ukraine’s energy sector, leading to the detention of five individuals and suspicions leveled against seven, including allegations of funds reaching a former Deputy Prime minister. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced the developments Tuesday, revealing a 15-month investigation involving 1,000 hours of audio recordings. Ukrainian companies are estimated to have suffered losses of USD 100 million due to the scheme.
The scandal centers around systematic bribery demands - ranging from 10% to 15% of contract values – allegedly collected from contractors working with Enerhoatom,the state-owned operator of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants.NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have released audio recordings as evidence.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has responded by ordering an urgent audit of Enerhoatom by the State Audit Service, with findings to be instantly shared with law enforcement and anti-corruption services. First Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko stated the Ministry of Economy, Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Ukraine will present a new composition of Enerhoatom’s supervisory board to the government for approval within a week, in consultation with international partners.
According to Svyrydenko, the new board’s mandate will be to swiftly renew the company’s management, conduct a complete audit, and fully cooperate with law enforcement investigations into potential corruption.
