The state company Energoatom is at the centre of a major corruption scandal, according to NABU and SAP. The multi-level scheme was based on artificially inflated procurement prices for goods and works, allowing organisers to receive kickbacks from suppliers—usually 10-15% of each contract value.
The total sum of tenders, according to investigators, reached UAH 200 billion, with more than UAH 30 billion believed to have been embezzled. The scheme involved trusted individuals, including the advisor to the Minister of Energy Ihor Myroniuk and businessman Tymur Mindich, along with other high-ranking officials.
Besides direct procurement of goods for Energoatom, the schemes involved construction of protective facilities, performing various works and rendering services. Suppliers refusing to engage in the illegal practices were left without contracts.
The framework operated by altering tender technical conditions, preventing unwanted bidders, and the so-called "barrier scheme": no payments were made without the agreed kickback. NABU estimates show almost UAH 31 billion could have been misappropriated via these mechanisms.
Top public officials are implicated in the case: former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, a former Justice Minister, and current Cabinet members. Arrests were carried out, and seven persons have officially been notified of suspicion. Separate attention is drawn to the involvement of a former Deputy Prime Minister, who was caught receiving large cash payments.
The investigation has caused political turbulence: Energoatom’s Supervisory Board member Tymofiy Mylovanov resigned, and the Parliament voiced demands for removal of all case suspects from office. MPs are pushing for a temporary investigative commission to address corruption in the state energy sector. Observers note the case could have a significant impact on the reputation of the current Ukrainian authorities both at home and internationally.
