NABU Probes Alleged $100M Kickback at Energoatom

Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has launched an investigation into an alleged $100 million kickback scheme at Energoatom, the state-run nuclear company supplying over half of Ukraine’s electricity.

NABU said a high-level criminal organisation orchestrated the scheme, involving a businessman, a former adviser to the energy minister, Energoatom’s head of security, and four other employees.

“In total, approximately 100 million USD passed through this so-called laundromat,” said NABU chief detective Oleksandr Abakumov.
“Contractors were forced to pay bribes of 10 to 15% to avoid losing contracts or facing payment delays.”

The scheme allegedly targeted protective structures at the Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant last October. NABU also reported that unauthorized individuals were effectively controlling Energoatom’s $4.7 billion annual operations.

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Zelenskyy Demands Accountability

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged full cooperation with the investigation:

“Everyone who has been involved in corruption schemes must receive a clear legal response. There must be criminal verdicts.”

The president’s statement follows public protests that forced him to maintain NABU’s independence, a key condition for Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations.

Energoatom confirmed that authorities are searching its offices and pledged full cooperation, while Deputy Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk promised a transparent process to ensure accountability.

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Evidence and Investigation Scope

NABU released images of cash in Ukrainian hryvnias, US dollars, and euros seized during the investigation. The agency carried out 70 searches, reviewed over 1,000 hours of audio, and deployed its full detective staff over 15 months.

Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak plans to introduce a motion in parliament to dismiss Grynchuk and her predecessor, German Galushchenko, highlighting political pressure to reform energy sector oversight.

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Context: War and Corruption

Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has suffered extensive damage from Russian air strikes, leaving large parts of the country without power. While nuclear reactors have not been directly hit, substations linked to them have repeatedly been targeted.

As Ukraine battles both corruption and Russia’s invasion, demonstrating reform and transparency remains as critical to Kyiv’s international credibility as its frontline military efforts.

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Key Takeaways

• NABU investigates $100M kickback scheme at Energoatom.
• Alleged involvement of businessman, minister’s adviser, and security head.
• Contractors forced to pay 10–15% bribes to secure contracts.
• Zelenskyy demands criminal verdicts and full accountability.
• Investigation includes 70 searches and 1,000+ hours of audio recordings.
• Energoatom cooperates; transparency crucial for EU membership bid.