Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies work effectively — EU Commission
Photo: Paula Pinho, spokesperson for the European Commission (Getty Images)
The exposure of a major corruption scheme in the energy sector indicates that Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies are fulfilling their role, according to European Commission representatives Paula Pinho and Guillaume Mercier.
"I think it’s really important to underline that [these] investigations which are taking place in Ukraine show that the anti corruption [measures] work, and institutions are there to precisely fight against it," Pinho says.
She specifies that the European Commission pays particular attention to the fight against corruption, especially in the context of Ukraine's accession to the EU.
"This investigation shows that anti-corruption bodies are in place and functioning in Ukraine," says Mercier.
He notes that the fight against corruption is crucial for the country's accession to the EU. The state must demonstrate continuous efforts to ensure high potential in the fight against corruption and compliance with the principles of the rule of law.
Corruption scandal at Energoatom
As part of Operation Midas, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine exposed a criminal organization that took bribes from Energoatom's contractors.
Among the members of the organization are former advisor to the Minister of Energy Ihor Myroniuk, Energoatom Security Director Dmytro Basov, and others.
Businessman Timur Mindich likely coordinated the organization's activities.
According to law enforcement officials, Minister of Justice Herman Halushchenko and former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov were also involved in the scheme.
