After the scandal was exposed, Ukrainian Justice Minister German Galushchenko was removed from office one day later after authorities said there was a kickback scheme that allegedly involved a close associate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as well as an ex-deputy prime minister with the moniker "Che Guevara," per NBC News.
This all comes as the battle against Russia rages on Ukraine's western front. Zelensky on Wednesday said in a statement that those involved in the scandal "cannot remain in their positions" and added, "This is a matter of trust in particular. If there are accusations, they must be answered."
There have been seven people placed under suspicion, as well as five others arrested. The scheme, which has been called a "high-level criminal organization," is connected to former and current government officials and businessmen allegedly involved in money laundering through the state-financed energy company Energoatom and getting other benefits.
Timur Mindich, who is a businessman with ties to Zelensky, has been accused in the scandal, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office prosecutor Serhiy Savytskyi said in court on Thursday.
The prosecutor said that the alleged criminal activity from Mindich "was established by him influencing" Galushchenko, who served as the energy secretary until July, but was serving as the justice minister.
Mindich is the co-owner of Kvartal 95, a television company that was also founded by Zelensky when he was an actor. The company studio distanced itself from Mindich in a statement, saying, he "does not participate in” the company’s “activities and does not influence the content or decisions of the team."
Galushchenko has not been detained but said that he agreed with the government's decision to suspend him during the investigation. “I will defend myself in the legal arena and prove my position,” he added.
