Accessibility links

Breaking News

Ukrainian Deputy Minister Detained Over Alleged $1.1 Million Bribe Scheme


Yuriy Hrymchak, deputy minister of temporarily occupied territories
Yuriy Hrymchak, deputy minister of temporarily occupied territories

A Ukrainian deputy minister and his aide have been detained after allegedly taking a bribe worth $480,000, the National Anticorruption Bureau (NABU) said on Facebook.

The August 14 statement names only the suspect's title -- deputy minister of temporarily occupied territories and internally displaced people -- a post that Yuriy Hrymchak has held since March 2017.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), however, confirmed that Hrymchak and his aide were caught "red-handed" while allegedly taking the money, NABU said.

The SBU stated the money was part of a $1.1 million bribe from an entrepreneur that the suspects demanded to "facilitate decision making by persons authorized to perform state functions."

No further details were provided.

Hrymchak and his unnamed aide have been charged with "large-scale or organized fraud," which is punishable by a prison term of up to 20 years, including confiscation of property.

The deputy minister's wife, Yulia Hrymchak, said the authorities searched their residence, according to a Facebook post.

  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service

    RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service has seen its audience grow significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and is among the most cited media outlets in the country. Its bold, in-depth reporting from the front lines has won many accolades and awards. Its comprehensive coverage also includes award-winning reporting by the Donbas.Realities and Crimea.Realities projects and the Schemes investigative unit.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG