Ukraine's former Energy Minister German Galushchenko was detained by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) while attempting to cross the border on Sunday, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the country's energy sector.
NABU announced the detention, stating that Galushchenko was removed from a train during the border crossing attempt. The bureau's action comes amid a broader probe into irregularities within Ukraine's energy industry, highlighting deepening scrutiny on high-level officials.
Earlier on Sunday, the Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported the incident, confirming that Galushchenko had been apprehended while trying to leave the country. The report underscored the dramatic nature of the arrest, with authorities intercepting the ex-minister mid-journey.
The operation ties back to a large-scale special action initiated by NABU on November 10. During that effort, the bureau released photos showing bags filled with foreign currency seized in searches related to the energy sector corruption case.
Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak revealed that NABU conducted searches at Galushchenko's home, as well as at the state nuclear energy agency, Energoatom. These raids were part of the intensified anti-corruption drive targeting key figures in Ukraine's power infrastructure.
Additionally, Ukrainska Pravda reported that NABU searched the residence of Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Mindich had already fled Ukraine prior to the search, adding another layer to the unfolding scandal.
The detentions and searches signal a significant escalation in NABU's campaign against corruption in Ukraine's vital energy sector, which has long been plagued by allegations of graft amid ongoing national challenges.
