Mindich was imposed a preventive measure in absentia

Mindich was detained in absentia as a preventive measure

Ukrainian court chose a preventive measure in absentia suspect Mindichu - detention. The decision was made in the framework of criminal proceedings regarding large-scale corruption schemes in the fuel and energy sector.

According to the investigation, Mindich is leader of an organised group, which for a long time received significant funds from illegal transactions in the energy sector and was engaged in their further laundering through controlled entities.

Suspicions and investigative actions

Law enforcement officers established that the group members had set up financial flow schemes that allowed them to withdraw public funds obtained through manipulation of the energy market. Some of the evidence was seized during searches of the so-called «back office», where an array of hundreds of profiles of law enforcement officers and officials was previously found.

The investigation plans to turn to international partners to intensify the search for the suspect.

Context.

The Mindich case is one of the most high-profile in the energy sector. It involves the activities of several commercial entities involved in the implementation of schemes involving fictitious procurement, unofficial payments and cashing in large sums.

The anti-corruption authorities emphasise that arrest in absentia allows for further initiation of extradition or special investigation if the suspect is outside Ukraine.