Ukraine's former Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, has been formally named as a suspect in a high-profile money laundering probe, investigators said Monday (February 16, 2026). "The former Energy Minister (2021-2025) has been exposed for money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation," the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said in a statement. The statement did not name Mr. Galushchenko, but he served as the country's Energy Minister between 2021 and 2025. Mr. Galushchenko was accused in November of taking part in a $100-million kickback scheme from contractors building fortifications to defend energy infrastructure against Russian attacks. The European Union is urging sweeping reforms to stamp out corruption as part of demands for Ukrainian membership to the bloc.

Source: The Hindu February 16, 2026 18:29 UTC