A former Ukrainian energy minister has been detained and charged with money laundering and participation in a criminal organization, according to announcements from the country's anti-corruption agency on Telegram. The agency did not disclose the name of the ex-minister but indicated he served from 2021 to 2025. The arrest took place over the weekend as the minister attempted to leave Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing issues of corruption within the government.

The accused is reportedly Herman Halusjtsjenko, who was dismissed from his position as justice minister by the national assembly last November following revelations of major corruption cases. This incident is part of a broader scandal that has implicated senior officials and business elites in Ukraine, including a former aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The ongoing backlash from these corruption scandals has significantly affected the Ukrainian political landscape and public trust in leadership.

During Halusjtsjenko's tenure, the suspected criminal organization is alleged to have received over 112 million, demonstrating extensive corruption at high levels of government. This case not only highlights the persistent corruption issues in Ukraine but also poses further challenges for the Zelensky administration as it works to maintain support from the international community amidst ongoing reforms and military engagements.