KYIV (Reuters) – Ukrainian anti-graft investigators have apprehended a former energy minister amid an extensive probe into a multi-million dollar kickback scheme involving top officials at the state atomic agency, which erupted in November when high-profile corruption allegations sparked political turmoil.
The “Midas” case has ensnared numerous senior figures and business elites, including associates of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s administration. In response to this crisis, Ukraine’s previous two energy ministers resigned while the chief of staff also stepped down in the wake of scandalous claims against them.
Zelenskiy and his team have consistently denied any misconduct or involvement in the affair. As Ukraine seeks EU membership, a critical part of its reform agenda focuses on rooting out decades of corruption endemic to the country’s political and business spheres.
Recent weeks have seen authorities focus their attention on lawmakers, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and a presidential adviser, with various charges under investigation. The relentless battle against graft has become a central pillar of Ukraine’s broader efforts towards European integration.