Ukrainian deputy energy minister detained on suspicion of accepting bribe

MOSCOW. Aug 12 (Interfax) - Ukraine's Security Service and National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, with assistance from Ukraine's energy minister, have uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme organized by a deputy energy minister.

The deputy energy minister was detained in Kiev while receiving a $500,000 bribe, Ukrainian media quoted the Security Service press service as saying on Telegram.

"For this amount, the official took advantage of their position and promised the heads of state-owned enterprises in the Lviv-Volyn coal basin assistance with the unimpeded transfer of mining equipment [...] 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.

Industry representatives had approached the deputy minister in the spring of 2024, seeking permission to evacuate the equipment from the military operation zone and use it in mines in western Ukraine. However, the official began demanding money to move the equipment, involving three accomplices.

The transfer of the illegal payment was carried out through the accomplices. The Energy Ministry and their three accomplices were detained after receiving some 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).

Preventive measures for them are being decided. 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.

The Energy Ministry confirmed on Telegram that the deputy minister had been detained. The Energy Ministry and Security Service did not give the official's name.

Ukraine's energy minister is German Galushchenko. The ministry says on its website that he has four deputies: Svetlana Grinchuk, Nikolai Kolesnik, Alexander Kheilo and Roman Andarak

Later on Monday, the Ukrainian government dismissed Alexander Kheilo as deputy energy minister, Ukrainian media reported on Monday, citing the Uryad. Online government's official news website.