"According to Ukraine's Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), the alleged $100m scheme was orchestrated by businessman Timur Mindich, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. SAPO's investigators say Galushchenko helped Mindich manage illicit financial flows in the energy sector, while contractors working with Energoatom were forced to pay bribes of 10 to 15 percent to avoid losing contracts or facing payment delays."
"In a statement, Galushchenko said he had spoken with the prime minister and agreed his suspension is appropriate while he defends his case. A political decision must be made, and only then can all the details be sorted out, said Galushchenko. I believe that suspension for the duration of the investigation is a civilised and correct scenario. I will defend myself in court and prove my position."
Ukraine suspended Justice Minister German Galushchenko amid allegations that he profited from a scheme laundering money from state nuclear firm Energoatom. Deputy Justice Minister for European Integration Lyudmyla Sugak will carry out his duties during the suspension. Galushchenko previously served four years as energy minister before taking the justice portfolio in July. Anticorruption authorities reportedly raided his offices as investigators allege businessman Timur Mindich orchestrated a $100 million scheme and that Galushchenko aided in managing illicit financial flows. Contractors with Energoatom were allegedly forced to pay 10–15% bribes. The case raises sensitivity due to infrastructure attacks and potential implications for EU ambitions.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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