The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), in conjunction with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), announced today that it conducted a secret operation aimed at "exposing an organized crime group, including several incumbent members of parliament". While details of the investigation have not been fully disclosed, NABU revealed that some suspects received bribes in exchange for votes.

"Employees of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) are preventing NABU agents from conducting investigative activities at several parliamentary committees. Obstructing investigative activities is a violation of the law. We will provide specific updates later," NABU stated.

NABU agents blocked by security outside Ukraine's parliament building on 27/12. *Photo: NABU*

Eradicating systemic corruption is a primary requirement for Ukraine to become a member of the European Union (EU). However, a series of recent corruption scandals in Ukraine have severely impacted President Volodymyr Zelensky's credibility. He was elected in 2019 on a pledge to crack down on corruption but has since seen the issue emerge within his own administration.

In November, NABU announced the discovery of a "high-level criminal organization" that specialized in receiving bribes from contractors with agreements with the national nuclear energy company Energoatom. This scheme channeled approximately 100 million USD through a money laundering system.

The group demanded a 10-15% "kickback" from Energoatom contractors. Failure to comply meant non-payment for services or products provided, and potential removal from the contractor list.

Ukraine's parliament building in the capital Kyiv on 24/8. *Photo: Reuters*

NABU identified businessman Timur Mindich, nicknamed "Carlson", as the head of this system. Mindich also had close ties with President Zelensky, though informed sources reported minimal contact between the two after the war broke out. Mindich fled abroad, possibly to Israel, hours before investigators arrived at his apartment in Kyiv to execute a search warrant.

Several high-ranking Ukrainian officials, including former presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak, considered Zelensky's right-hand man, have resigned in the past two months due to investigations by NABU and SAPO.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)