Ukrainian Energy Minister Detained in Major Kickback Scandal

A former Ukrainian energy minister has been detained for alleged involvement in a $100-million kickback scheme centered around Ukraine's state atomic agency. The high-profile case has implicated senior officials, leading to multiple resignations, including associates of President Zelenskiy. The minister allegedly laundered over $112 million.

A former Ukrainian energy minister has been detained under suspicion of involvement in a major kickback scheme. Anti-graft prosecutors announced the arrest Monday, citing charges of money laundering and participation in a criminal organization, though they withheld his name.

The case, dubbed the 'Midas' scandal, has implicated senior Ukrainian officials, including a former associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The scheme allegedly centers around a $100-million kickback operation within the state atomic agency, and it has led to a series of high-profile resignations.

According to Ukraine's National Anti-corruption Bureau, the detained minister allegedly amassed over $112 million from illegal activities in the energy sector during his tenure. Authorities utilized materials gathered through both domestic efforts and international cooperation to substantiate the charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)