"Ukraine's former energy minister has been charged with money laundering a day after he was detained trying to leave the country. The charges against Herman Halushchenko, announced February 16, were the latest in a snowballing corruption scandal that has cast a shadow over President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Several top ministers and other government officials have been sacked, including Zelenskyy's longtime confidant and chief of staff, Andriy Yermak."
"Officials said Halushchenko was detained on February 15 by border guards as he was leaving the country by train. Investigators with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office -- one of two independent agencies charged with investigating high-level corruption -- said that the new charges against Halushenko stemmed from an alleged scheme involving off-shore companies whose beneficiaries were his relatives . Halushchenko has made no comment on the charges. It was unclear exactly where he was being held as of February 16."
Herman Halushchenko, Ukraine's former energy minister, was detained Feb 15 while attempting to leave the country and charged Feb 16 with money laundering. Investigators from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office allege the scheme involved offshore companies benefiting his relatives. The probe, called Operation Midas, centers on Tymur Mindich, co-owner of Kvartal 95, who reportedly fled after being flagged as a suspect. The scandal has prompted sackings of several top officials, including Andriy Yermak, and forced Halushchenko to resign as justice minister in November. The controversy has undermined confidence amid severe winter energy shortages caused by Russian attacks.
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