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Ukraine Suspends Justice Minister as $100 Million Energy Graft Probe Widens

The suspension follows raids in a $100 million corruption investigation targeting a close ally of President Zelensky.

Overview

  • Prime Minister Julia Swyrydenko announced Herman Haluschtschenko’s removal from duties after searches tied to Energoatom; he says he will cooperate and defend himself.
  • NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against seven suspects and detained five after a 15‑month inquiry known as Operation Midas.
  • Investigators named Tymur Minditsch, a longtime associate of Zelensky and co-owner of studio Kwartal 95, as the chief suspect, and he has reportedly left Ukraine.
  • Prosecutors allege Haluschtschenko received personal benefits from Minditsch to influence energy cash flows, with the case centered on kickbacks for fortifying power facilities against Russian attacks.
  • The cabinet dismissed Energoatom’s supervisory board, while the company said finances, output and nuclear safety remain stable, as Kyiv faces scrutiny over reforms heading into winter.