A former energy minister of Ukraine has been taken into custody by anti-corruption prosecutors on charges related to money laundering and involvement in criminal activity. The minister, whose identity was initially withheld, has been reported by international media as German Galushchenko, who was arrested while attempting to leave the country over the past weekend. This incident is part of a broader anti-corruption crackdown in Ukraine, where officials are increasingly being held accountable for past misconduct.

Galushchenko resigned from his position in government last year as investigations into corruption began to escalate. He had served as Ukraine's Minister of Justice while also holding the post of Minister of Energy from April 2021 to July 2025. His successor, Svitlana Krynychuk, was also dismissed in November as part of this ongoing foul play investigation, which has raised concerns about systemic corruption within the Ukrainian government.

Despite the serious allegations, Galushchenko denies any wrongdoing, declaring himself innocent of the charges. The case, dubbed 'Midas', focuses on an alleged bribery scheme worth 100 million dollars linked to the state atomic agency, which has attracted considerable media attention and scrutiny regarding the integrity of Ukraine's governmental bodies, especially during a time when the nation is under the pressures of war and global scrutiny.