Ukrainian authorities have detained a former deputy energy minister on suspicion of embezzling funds from the state-owned nuclear power company, expanding the sprawling corruption investigation that has shaken the energy sector.
The detention is part of the wider Operation Midas probe, which has already resulted in charges against multiple high-ranking officials and business figures. Investigators allege the former deputy minister participated in schemes that diverted funds from Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear operator, for personal enrichment.
The case underscores the scale of alleged corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector, which investigators say has involved kickbacks, money laundering, and embezzlement totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. The investigation has become one of the most significant anti-corruption operations in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion.
Prosecutors said they are continuing to investigate other individuals linked to the scheme, including current and former officials, as they work to dismantle what they describe as a deeply entrenched network of corruption within the state energy infrastructure.