Ukrainian Justice Minister German Galushchenko has been suspended from his post following searches linked to a sweeping corruption investigation into the country’s energy sector, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.

The action was taken during an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning, Ms Svyrydenko said in a statement.

“We decided to suspend German Galushchenko from performing the duties of the minister of justice,” she said, adding that his duties had been assigned to Deputy Minister of Justice for European Integration Liudmyla Suhak.

Mr Galushchenko, a former energy minister who had served as justice minister since July, had his home searched by police on Tuesday.

He is among several suspects in what Ukrainian officials are describing as a far-reaching graft probe involving energy infrastructure.

Though corrupt deals involving arms contracts have surfaced before in Ukraine, this is one of the country’s largest such scandals since Russia’s full-scale invasion began more than three and a half years ago.

Mr Galushchenko said on social media that he agreed with the government’s decision, calling it a “civilised and correct” step while investigations are ongoing.

He pledged to cooperate with prosecutors while defending himself fully.

No details of the allegations against Mr Galushchenko have been provided by authorities.

The Justice Ministry had confirmed on Tuesday that it was assisting investigators, reiterating it has “zero tolerance” for corruption.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have said they are investigating alleged bribery involving state nuclear company Energoatom.

The case centres on millions in kickbacks allegedly paid during the construction of protective structures around energy facilities intended to shield them from Russian air attacks.

Authorities said on Tuesday that five people had been detained and seven were under investigation.

The group is suspected of laundering about $100 million in bribes.

At the centre of the probe is Tymur Mindich, a long-time associate and business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky from his days working in the entertainment industry.

Prosecutors accuse Mr Mindich of exerting influence not only over Mr Galushchenko but also over former defence minister Rustem Umerov.

Mr Umerov acknowledged having contact with Mr Mindich but denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Mindich, who was described as the main suspect, allegedly sought to influence state decisions “in the energy and defence sectors”, prosecutors said.

He is believed to have fled Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky has called for all those found guilty to be punished regardless of their position or political connections.

Mr Energoatom said the investigation had no impact on its financial stability, power production or nuclear safety. 

(dpa/NAN)