Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have uncovered a criminal organization that influenced the operations of state-owned strategic energy enterprises, including Energoatom, systematically receiving illegal payments from contractors.
According to investigators, the group included current and former officials in the energy sector, a well-known businessman, and several other individuals. They are suspected of influencing personnel decisions and procurement processes at Energoatom, as well as organizing a scheme to obtain kickbacks from contractors—typically amounting to 10–15% of contract value.
Contractors were pressured to pay these bribes in exchange for avoiding payment delays for delivered goods or services, or for retaining their status as approved suppliers. NABU states that effective control of a major strategic enterprise with annual revenues exceeding UAH 200 billion was exercised by individuals who held no official positions or legal authority.
The illegal funds were laundered through a dedicated office located in central Kyiv, where detailed records were kept and cash flows were managed through a network of foreign companies. According to investigators, approximately $100 million passed through this operation over the documented period.
Five individuals have been detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Seven suspects have been formally notified of charges, including:
- a businessman identified as the leader of the criminal organization,
- a former adviser to the Minister of Energy,
- the Executive Director for Physical Protection and Security at Energoatom,
- and four individuals responsible for money laundering operations.
More than 70 searches have been conducted in Kyiv and other regions. Investigators have seized documents and significant amounts of cash. Courts will now consider preventive measures for the suspects.
NABU and SAP continue to identify additional participants in the scheme. The investigation is ongoing.