Anti-corruption agencies report that they have exposed the Deputy Minister of Energy and three of his accomplices for accepting a bribe in exchange for permitting the export of mining equipment from a frontline area.
According to the investigation, the Deputy Minister requested $500,000 from the manager of a coal company located in the western region for the transfer of equipment from the frontline city of Pokrovsk.
The bribe was essentially for saving the equipment, as it was located near the combat zone. However, to obtain permission for the evacuation of the equipment, money was demanded.
The funds were to be handed over in five installments of $100,000 each at separate meetings. During the transfer of the third installment, one of the accomplices was caught “in the act.”
According to the division of responsibilities among deputies, Oleksandr Kheylo coordinates the work of the coal industry and “addresses the problematic issues of miners.”
Kheylo was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy by Herman Halushchenko in September 2023. Prior to that, he headed “Ukrvuhillya.”
In the photo, Minister Halushchenko and his Deputy Kheylo are seen singing the Ukrainian national anthem in September of the previous year.
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