Ukraine Cracks Down on Corruption Amid Wartime Efforts: Deputy Energy Minister Detained

Ukraine has detained a deputy energy minister and three others for accepting a $500,000 bribe, as the country intensifies its anti-corruption measures to align with European Union standards. The detained individuals aimed to facilitate the removal of mining equipment from conflict zones. The move highlights Ukraine's ongoing battle against corruption.

Ukraine has made a significant move in its fight against corruption by detaining one of its four deputy energy ministers and three other suspects, who were caught 'red-handed' accepting a tranche of a $500,000 bribe. The detentions were confirmed by state prosecutors and anti-graft police on Monday.

This crackdown is part of Ukraine's increased anti-corruption measures to bolster its European Union membership bid, where combating graft is a key criteria. The detained officials were implicated in demanding the bribe for facilitating the removal of mining equipment from a state-owned coal enterprise in the war-torn Donetsk region.

The government has dismissed Deputy Energy Minister Oleksandr Kheilo. The suspects, which included other officials from state-owned enterprises, were caught as they were receiving $100,000 of the total bribe amount. Energy Minister German Galushchenko was instrumental in uncovering the scheme and pushing for the deputy's dismissal.

(With inputs from agencies.)