Ukraine's ex-deputy prime minister charged with illicit enrichment

That is according to NABU's press service, Ukrinform reports.

Investigators found that the former official was among those who visited a so-called "laundry" – a place used to legalize illicit funds. The "laundry" was controlled by the head of a criminal organization exposed earlier by NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).

"Detectives documented the transfer of more than $1.2 million and nearly EUR 100,000 in cash to the suspect and his trusted associate," the statement said.

NABU earlier released information showing that members of a criminal group operating in the energy sector had transferred funds to a former deputy prime minister known internally as "Che Guevara."

NABU noted that the former government official was already a suspect in another case involving abuse of office and receiving a large bribe.

On November 10, NABU announced a special operation to uncover corruption in the energy sector. Investigators found that members of a criminal organization had built an extensive scheme to exert influence over strategic state-owned enterprises, including Energoatom.

A source familiar with the investigation said that NABU officers had conducted searches at the premises of businessman and co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio Tymur Mindich, as well as at the residence of Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who previously served as energy minister.

The Justice Ministry later confirmed that investigative actions involving Galushchenko had been carried out within the ongoing criminal proceedings.

During Operation Midas, anti-corruption authorities identified the leader of the criminal organization, codenamed "Carlson."

NABU stated that five of the seven suspects had been detained. Among those implicated are a businessman believed to be the organization's leader, a former adviser to the energy minister, and Energoatom's executive director in charge of physical protection and security.