Ukraine anti-graft agency raids energy sector as corruption stand-off escalates

KYIV – Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency said on Nov 10 it had conducted large-scale raids on the country’s energy sector – an operation that comes after months of infighting over Kyiv’s anti-graft efforts.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) said 70 searches had been staged after a 15-month investigation – in collaboration with the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office – into the sector, which has been battered by Russian attacks since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Nabu said it had uncovered a “high-level criminal organisation” based on securing kickbacks from contracts awarded by major nuclear power provider Energoatom.

Releasing audio recordings of alleged perpetrators discussing the scheme, Nabu said that around US$100 million (S$130 million) had passed through a money-laundering operation set up to funnel proceeds.

The raids came months after President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to strip powers from both Nabu and the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office, triggering a rare public backlash and the largest protests since the start of the Russian invasion.

In his evening address, Mr Zelensky said all actions against corruption are “very necessary”.

“Transparency in the company (Energoatom) is a priority,” the Ukrainian leader said.

“Verdicts must be issued. And government officials must work together with Nabu, with law enforcement agencies, as needed for results.”

Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk told a press conference that Energoatom and the sector will respect the investigation, while preparing for another winter of war.

“It is very important that the investigative actions are conducted transparently and openly,” she said.

Russia has

pounded Ukraine’s energy sector with missile and drone attacks

throughout the nearly four-year invasion.

Energoatom confirmed a search had been conducted and said it was cooperating with the investigation. It did not comment on the allegations.

Ukrainian media outlets reported that the scheme involved close Zelensky ally Timur Mindich, a co-owner of production studio Kvartal 95, founded by Mr Zelensky, who was a former star comedian before running for office.

Nabu did not name those targeted in the investigation.

The accusations that funds have been siphoned from the energy industry, at a time of relentless attacks and widespread power shortages, have stoked fresh public anger.

“Today’s war is not just at the front line. It is also a war within the system, between those who want change and those who want to cover everything with cash and silence,” anti-corruption activist Martyna Boguslavets said on social media. AFP