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Ukraine Suspends Justice Minister as Energoatom Kickback Probe Widens

Prosecutors describe a “gate” scheme skimming 10–15% from Energoatom contracts, routing proceeds through a Kyiv “laundromat” to offshore hubs.

Overview

  • The cabinet held an emergency session to suspend Justice Minister Herman Galushchenko and named deputy Lyudmyla Suhak as acting minister pending the inquiry.
  • NABU and the anti‑corruption prosecutor’s office report more than 70 searches, five detentions and seven suspects, releasing audio they say captures Timur Mindich discussing illicit payments with Energoatom-linked figures.
  • Investigators identify Mindich as organizing systematic kickbacks on state nuclear contracts and outline alleged laundering via a central Kyiv office and foreign jurisdictions.
  • Mindich was reported by Ukrainian outlets to have left the country for Israel; prosecutors say the group sought sway in energy and defense procurement, while Rustem Umerov rejects claims of improper influence and says a body‑armor contract was canceled for failing standards.
  • The case is fueling political strife and international messaging, with Ukrainian politicians disputing media handling of the leaks and the Kremlin asserting that Western aid to Kyiv is being misused.