Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenksi
Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities have arrested former Energy Minister German Galushchenko in a major graft probe involving alleged kickbacks and money laundering tied to state energy contracts.
Officials said Galushchenko was detained while attempting to leave the country, following an investigation led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). Prosecutors allege the case centres on a large-scale scheme that diverted public energy funds through shell companies and foreign accounts.
Investigators claim the operation involved illicit payments linked to state energy projects, with part of the proceeds allegedly routed abroad for personal benefit. Authorities describe the case as one of the most significant corruption crackdowns in Ukraine’s energy sector in recent years.
Galushchenko, who served as energy minister from 2021 to 2025, has denied wrongdoing through his representatives and is expected to challenge the allegations in court.
The arrest adds fresh pressure on the Ukrainian government as it pushes anti-corruption reforms demanded by Western partners and the European Union, especially amid ongoing war-time spending and international financial support. Prosecutors say further arrests and charges may follow as the investigation wide
