Ukrainian Deputy Energy Minister Detained Over $500,000 Bribe

Ukrainian law enforcement detained a deputy energy minister and others over a $500,000 bribe. Investigations revealed a scheme to smuggle state-owned mining equipment from the combat zone in Donetsk.

Ukrainian prosecutors announced on Monday the detention of one of the country's four deputy energy ministers, along with several others, as they were caught receiving part of a $500,000 bribe.

The investigation uncovered that the suspects had organized a complex scheme to smuggle mining equipment belonging to a state-owned coal mining enterprise out of the conflict zone in the Donetsk region. This revelation was made by the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine.

The suspects are facing serious charges that could lead to significant legal repercussions as authorities continue to probe the breadth of the smuggling operation.

(With inputs from agencies.)