Corruption in Ukraine's energy sector is systemic, long-standing – NABU/SAPO

Corruption in the energy sector is systemic and long-term in nature; since 2022, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have been investigating five high-profile cases in the energy sector, anti-corruption bodies emphasize.

On Tuesday, the NABU and SAPO posted an infographic on criminal cases in the energy sector on their Telegram channel, which, in particular, mentions the Energoatom case with losses to the state of UAH 100 million, which is currently being considered in court, and the Ukrenergo case with losses of UAH 600 million, which is also at the stage of trial.

In addition, the completion of the pre-trial investigation into the KharkivOblenergo case with losses to the state of UAH 12.6 million, the court's consideration of the case of bribery of the Deputy Minister of Energy, and the Energoatom case regarding kickbacks from contractors, which is still under investigation, were also noted.

"Not the only one with Midas: five high-profile cases of the NABU and SAPO in the energy sector since 2022," the anti-corruption authorities said in a statement.

"The criminal organization exposed during the Midas operation is only part of a much larger problem. Corruption in the energy sector of Ukraine is systemic and long-term in nature. NABU and SAPO cases in this area cover different levels: from direct bribery in the ministry to large-scale schemes of market manipulation and theft of resources at state-owned enterprises," the NABU and SAPO said.

The message emphasizes that anti-corruption authorities continue to consistently expose these crimes regardless of the political context or the names of the defendants. "Cases are brought to court, and new challenges receive a prompt response. The work to clean up one of the most strategic and at the same time most corrupt industries will continue," NABU and SAPO said.