Kaja Kallas calls corruption scandal in Ukraine's energy sector 'extremely unfortunate'
Photo: Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
The corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector is "extremely unfortunate," and it is important that Kyiv takes it seriously, according to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
"They are acting very forcefully. There is no room for corruption, especially now. I mean, it is literally the people's money that should go to the front lines," Kallas said on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 foreign ministers in Canada.
According to her, it is crucial that the Ukrainian authorities intensify their fight against corruption and take this issue very seriously.
Background
On the morning of November 10, NABU detectives conducted searches at the home of businessman Tymur Mindich, co-owner of Kvartal 95 Studio, who is known to be a close friend of President Zelenskyy. Investigative actions also took place at the home of suspended Minister of Justice Herman Halushchenko.
According to investigators, a “barrier scheme” operated within Energoatom: contractors were allegedly forced to pay 10–15% kickbacks from contract amounts. Those who refused were threatened with payment blocks or removal from the list of approved suppliers.
The funds, according to NABU, were laundered through a back office in central Kyiv, where about $100 million passed through. The office reportedly belonged to the family of former Ukrainian MP and now Russian senator Andriy Derkach.
Five individuals have already been detained in connection with the case, and several others have been served with notices of suspicion. Among those implicated are Herman Halushchenko and former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov, both of whom have received formal suspicions.
