The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) announced the arrest of Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Oleksandr Kheil, along with three other suspects on Monday as part of an investigation into widespread bribery and corruption.  

In a press release, the SSU confirmed the arrest of the deputy minister following a comprehensive investigation into the corruption scheme, which received support from the Ukrainian Minister of Energy. The release indicated that a $500,000 bribe was intended to prompt Kheil to facilitate the transfer of mining equipment from a state-owned coal company in the Donetsk region to the western part of Ukraine. The scheme involved three additional individuals, a private energy trader, the head of an energy company, and the head of a mining company located in Donetsk. All suspects were apprehended after part of the bribe had been transferred and the equipment relocation was set to occur.  

On Tuesday, the SSU released additional evidence, including intercepted conversations involving the defendants. The Ministry of Energy responded by issuing a statement highlighting its close collaboration with the SSU “to ensure an objective investigation and the establishment of all the circumstances of the offense.” In an interview with POLITICO, energy sector expert Olena Pavlenko remarked “that the scandal would shine a light on the troubled industry.” 

The coal company involved in the corruption case is situated in the Donetsk region, a focal point of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Since Russia’s invasion, its forces have maintained partial control over the area, though substantial parts have remained under Ukrainian control. The region’s instability due to ongoing warfare, and the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic have significantly heightened security risks in recent months. Additionally, Russia’s systematic destruction of energy infrastructure has incentivized the motivations for relocating operations and resources to western Ukraine. 

All four suspects face charges under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to the acceptance, offering, promising, or receipt of unlawful benefits by an official. If convicted, they could each receive a prison sentence of up to 12 years and have their property confiscated. According to Article 62 of the Ukrainian Constitution, the presumption of innocence applies until their guilt is established by a court verdict.