Investigators conducting searches at Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant – Energoatom
Law enforcement officers have arrived at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant site, where investigative actions are underway, Ukraine’s state nuclear operator Energoatom said.
According to the company, the investigation concerns certain procurement procedures carried out at the plant in previous years.
Energoatom said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement and providing all necessary documents and information.
“The current leadership of the company consistently adheres to the principles of transparency and accountability in managing the company, supports comprehensive cooperation with law enforcement agencies, and advocates for proper legal assessment of all possible violations regardless of when they were committed,” the statement said.
The company said the investigative actions are not affecting production processes or the safe operation of the facility. The Khmelnytskyi plant is operating as normal.
Last year, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said it had uncovered corruption in the energy sector in what became known as the “Mindich case.” According to investigators, participants in the scheme systematically received kickbacks from Energoatom contractors amounting to 10% to 15% of contract values. Contractors were allegedly forced to pay in order to avoid blocked payments for services or supplies, or to keep their supplier status.
After the scheme was exposed, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a reset of major state-owned companies in the energy sector, including Energoatom, Ukrhydroenergo, the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine and Naftogaz of Ukraine. A full review of their financial activities was to be accompanied by management changes.
Energoatom’s supervisory board later ordered an internal investigation based on NABU’s materials, suspended several employees and announced an internal reorganization.