Ukraine's Justice Minister Suspended Amid Energy Graft Probe

According to the Prime Minister's announcement in Ukraine, the powers of the Minister of Justice, German Galushchenko, have been temporarily suspended. This decision was made within the framework of a large-scale investigation into a corruption scheme of a particularly large scale in the energy sector, reports Reuters.

The case involves an alleged bribery scheme of $100 million, in connection with which Ukrainian authorities have already charged seven individuals. High-ranking energy officials are involved in the case, which has caused great public outrage.

The situation is made more sensitive by the fact that German Galushchenko held the position of Minister of Energy before assuming the post of Minister of Justice. His ministry has confirmed that investigative actions are being carried out against the minister, but it is not yet specified whether they are directly related to this case being handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Allegations of bribery in the energy sector are perceived as extremely painful by the public, which has to endure daily prolonged power outages. Even before the start of the winter cold, in a difficult situation created by massive Russian attacks on the country's infrastructure, a corruption scandal involving high-ranking officials adds additional shades to the topic.