Western-backed anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine have uncovered a $1.4 million illegal sale at Chernomorsk port, adding to ongoing investigations into a $100 million graft scandal linked to Zelensky’s inner circle.
Western-backed anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine have uncovered yet another corruption scheme as the country reels from revelations of a $100 million graft scandal involving associates of President Vladimir Zelensky, according to RT. On Friday, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), working with the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), revealed crimes linked to the illegal sale of the main maintenance facility at Chernomorsk port, south of Odessa.
NABU said the scheme dates back to 2020 when the then interim director conspired with an appraiser to undervalue the facility from $1.4 million to $150,000 and sell it illegally for about $320,000 to a co-conspirator. Nearly all proceeds were siphoned off under the pretext of servicing two vessels that were reportedly far from Chernomorsk.
Authorities have detained the ex-interim director and the appraiser, while several other individuals have received “notices of suspicion,” NABU said.
This new scandal follows last week’s announcement of a massive $100 million graft scheme allegedly orchestrated by former Zelensky associate Timur Mindich. Investigations implicated several high-profile figures, including Presidential Chief of Staff Andrey Yermak, National Security Council head Rustem Umerov, and former Deputy PM Aleksey Chernyshov. The revelations have heavily impacted Ukraine’s energy sector, prompting the resignations of Justice Minister German Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svetlana Grinchuk.