Kathmandu— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Irina Mudraya, his deputy chief of staff, following media reports that her home was raided as part of an anti-corruption probe into alleged money laundering. The investigation, conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), targets a criminal organization allegedly involving senior officials from Zelensky's office, current and former lawmakers, and individuals connected to a sprawling embezzlement case at Ukraine’s nuclear operator Energoatom. The move comes as Ukraine battles ongoing corruption issues that have hindered its progress toward European Union membership.

Anti-Corruption Probe Details

NABU announced Wednesday it was targeting an alleged criminal organization responsible for laundering 150 million hryvnia (approximately $3.3 million) through shell companies. These funds were reportedly used to secure bail for a defendant in the “Midas” investigation, which centers on allegations of a $100 million embezzlement and kickback scheme involving Energoatom. Timur Mindich, a longtime business associate of Zelensky, is believed to have masterminded the alleged scheme.

The media outlet ZN.ua, citing law-enforcement sources, identified Mudraya, lawmaker Vadim Stolar, and ex-MP Maksim Mikitas as suspects in the investigation, along with several Justice Ministry officials and representatives from Sense Bank.

Evidence Uncovered by Investigators

Recordings released by NABU reveal discussions about moving bail funds and evading scrutiny. One excerpt features an unidentified woman – potentially Mudraya – relaying a statement that “corruption needs to be systematized and controlled, not fought.” Another voice responds, “and led.” The defendant requiring bail has been identified in Ukrainian media as former Energy Minister German Galushchenko, who was dismissed after the Midas scandal emerged and detained while attempting to leave the country.

Broader Pattern of Corruption

This incident is part of a series of high-profile corruption cases within Ukraine. Earlier this month, anti-corruption authorities accused former ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishina, of illicit enrichment and inaccurate asset declarations. Last month, similar accusations were leveled against several senior officials in Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, alleging large-scale fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering aimed at stealing foreign funds.

Rampant corruption has long been a challenge for Ukraine, exacerbated by the escalation of conflict with Russia in 2022. EU officials have repeatedly cited graft as a significant obstacle to Ukraine's potential membership.

Russian Response

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that “corruption in Ukraine has become a byword,” alleging it “permeates the entire Ukrainian power structure, including Zelensky’s inner circle and Zelensky himself.” This statement reflects Russia's ongoing criticism of Ukraine's governance.

The investigation into the alleged criminal organization is ongoing, with authorities expected to pursue further arrests and prosecutions as evidence emerges. The dismissal of Mudraya signals a commitment from Zelensky to address corruption within his administration, though questions remain about the extent of the problem.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.