Energoatom corruption scheme suspects funded luxury houses for top officials, journalists say
Ex-Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov has financed the construction of high-end houses near Kyiv. The money he spent was obtained through the energy corruption scheme now rocking Ukraine, the Bihus.info investigative journalism project reported on Nov. 12.
Chernyshov was charged by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) on Nov. 11 with illicit enrichment as part of the Energoatom corruption case. Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky, is alleged to be the ringleader.
Chernyshov did not respond to a request for comment.
According to the tapes published by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, businessman Oleksandr Tsukerman said in February that suspects in the Energoatom corruption scheme were planning to give $300,000 to Chernyshov. In March, Tsukerman once again proposed giving $500,000 for the construction of high-end houses in Kozyn, a suburb of Kyiv.
"I propose that Rocket should give something tomorrow," he said in the tapes in a reference to Ihor Myroniuk, a former advisor to then-Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko. "I hope 800 ($800,000). Out of this, we'll give 500 ($500,000) to Che Guevara (Chernyshov).... for construction."
Meanwhile, Mindich proposed temporarily freezing the Kozyn construction project in July for a year exactly when Chernyshov was charged the first time. Then deputy prime minister was fired after the Anti-Corruption Bureau charged him with bribery and abuse of office in June.
"A stupid a**hole," Mindich said in the tapes in an apparent reference to Chernyshov. "If he exposes (other suspects) in the case, we're f**ed."
Bihus.info alleged that the villas built by Chernyshov were meant for himself, Mindich, and the country's leadership. The President's Office declined to comment.
According to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, participants of the alleged corruption scheme allegedly gave $1.2 million and 100,000 euros to Chernyshov.
Bihus.info published an investigation about Chernyshov's alleged construction project in Kozyn in July, while Ukrainska Pravda media outlet released another investigation about the houses in October.
