Ukraine's prime minister has suspended Justice Minister Herman Galushchenko while anti-corruption authorities investigate an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme in the energy sector. Prosecutors accuse businessman Timur Mindich of orchestrating the scheme and allege Galushchenko received "personal benefits" in exchange for influence over energy money flows. Galushchenko accepted the temporary suspension and says he will defend himself in court. The investigation comes as Ukraine continues to contend with infrastructure damage from Russian attacks.
Ukraine Suspends Justice Minister Herman Galushchenko Amid $100M Energy Corruption Probe
Ukraine's prime minister has suspended Justice Minister Herman Galushchenko while anti-corruption authorities investigate an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme in the energy sector. Prosecutors accuse businessman Timur Mindich of orchestrating the scheme and allege Galushchenko received "personal benefits" in exchange for influence over energy money flows. Galushchenko accepted the temporary suspension and says he will defend himself in court. The investigation comes as Ukraine continues to contend with infrastructure damage from Russian attacks.
12:22 PM, 11/12/2025Politics
Justice minister suspended as anti-corruption probe unfolds
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on Wednesday that Justice Minister Herman Galushchenko has been suspended while authorities investigate a major corruption scandal in the country's energy sector.
"A decision was made to suspend Herman Galushchenko from performing the duties of minister of justice," Svyrydenko said in an official statement. She added that Galushchenko's duties will be assumed by Deputy Minister for European Integration Lyudmyla Sugak on an acting basis.
Galushchenko released his own statement saying he had spoken with the prime minister and accepted the suspension. "A political decision must be made, and only then can all the details be sorted out," he said. "I believe that suspension for the duration of the investigation is a civilized and correct scenario. I will defend myself in court and prove my position."
Accusations and alleged scheme
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) has accused businessman Timur Mindich, described as a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, of orchestrating an alleged $100 million corruption scheme involving embezzlement in the energy sector. SAPO alleges that Galushchenko, who previously served as energy minister for four years, received "personal benefits" from Mindich in return for influence over money flows within the energy system.
The office says the accusations follow a widening investigation into financial flows and contracts tied to the energy sector. Authorities have not yet released full details of the evidence and the matter is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
Note: Galushchenko has denied wrongdoing and said he will contest any charges in court.
Context
The probe has emerged as Ukraine continues to suffer substantial infrastructure damage from Russian attacks, adding pressure on government institutions and public trust. Officials say the suspension is intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation and public confidence while legal processes proceed.