In addition to the high-profile “Midas” operation, large-scale schemes were uncovered in Ukraine at “Ukrenergo” and “Kharkivoblenergo,” including illegal electricity sales and inflated purchases of energy equipment. Bribery at the level of the Ministry of Energy and Energoatom has also been proven, causing the state hundreds of millions of hryvnias in losses.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
This was reported by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). The exposure of criminal schemes by NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAP shows that large-scale embezzlement and bribery span various levels — from state enterprises to ministries.
The “Midas” operation, which attracted the most media attention, was only the tip of the iceberg, as anti-corruption bodies uncover numerous cases of resource theft, market manipulation, and illegal acquisition of funds, bringing cases to court and responding promptly to new challenges. Below are five of the most high-profile cases that demonstrate the scale of the problem:
Energoatom (Nuclear Storage)
In 2020, a division of NAEC “Energoatom” signed a contract with a private company to complete the construction of a spent nuclear fuel storage facility bypassing open tenders. The contract price was increased from UAH 421 million to UAH 1.497 billion, including the purchase of equipment at inflated prices. The case is currently in court, and the state’s losses are estimated at UAH 100 million.
Ukrenergo
In March 2022, officials of NEC “Ukrenergo” illegally granted LLC “United Energy” access to electricity despite outstanding debts and a ban on further sales. The company sold electricity without payment, and the bank guarantor did not cover the debt. Funds from the sale were transferred abroad through affiliated structures. Four people are accused in this case, and the state’s losses amount to UAH 716 million.
Kharkivoblenergo
In 2021, the scheme organizer took personal control over the procurement of energy equipment at JSC “Kharkivoblenergo.” The management agreed to sign contracts with affiliated companies at prices several times higher than market rates. Thanks to the investigation by NABU and SAP, the embezzlement of approximately UAH 120 million was prevented. Eight people are suspected, the investigation has been completed, and the losses are estimated at UAH 12.6 million.
Deputy Minister of Energy
The deputy minister and his accomplices demanded a bribe of USD 500,000 from a representative of a state enterprise, promising in return to transfer mining equipment from the frontline Donetsk region to a state mine in Volyn. They received part of the amount — USD 300,000 — and two of the individuals involved have already been convicted.
Energoatom (kickbacks from contractors)
The deputy director of an Energoatom branch demanded monthly “percentages” from the cost of work in exchange for ensuring timely payments and not obstructing the fulfillment of contractual obligations. The amount of the illegal benefit ranged from 10% to 15% of the cost of the work, and the total amount received from June to November 2025 amounted to approximately UAH 1.67 million.
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