Ukraine’s Energoatom exec detained for $100M embezzlement, enough for 40,000 interceptor drones as country sits in darkness

An investigation into the alleged embezzlement of $100 million from Energoatom, Ukraine's only company that operates all of the nuclear power plants, is underway. On 12 November, a Ukrainian court ordered 60 days of pre-trial detention for Energoatom’s Executive Director for Security, Dmytro Basov, after EU-backed anti-corruption agencies uncovered a large-scale bribery and kickback scheme, UkrInform reports. 

The court set bail at $951,000 for Basov. If posted, he must:

• appear upon summons by investigators,
• surrender his international passports,
• remain at his registered residence,
• refrain from contact with witnesses in the case.

What was Basov's role in the scheme?

The investigation has implicated at least four ministers from Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers. Over 70 searches have been conducted across several regions.

According to NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAP (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office), members of the criminal network demanded and received kickbacks of 10–15% from Energoatom contractors. During raids, officials seized over $4 million in cash, RBC reports. 

Basov, codenamed “Tenor” in investigative materials, allegedly coordinated the shadow network, overseeing procurement and financial operations.

Elite property and Mercedes GLE 300D

Basov previously led a department in the Prosecutor General’s Office investigating organized crime and later worked at the State Property Fund before becoming Executive Director for Physical Protection and Security at Energoatom.

He was dismissed from the Prosecutor General’s Office in 2019 amid corruption scandals but was later reinstated through court proceedings, receiving $59,500 in compensation for “unlawful dismissal.”

After joining Energoatom, Basov’s family’s wealth grew rapidly. In 2024, Nataliia Basova, his wife, purchased a 70 m² apartment in the elite White Lines residential complex in Kyiv.

Journalistic investigations reveal that over the past few years, she has spent approximately $360,000 on luxury assets, including another apartment (127 m²) in the French Quarter complex, valued at no less than $140,000, and several vehicles, such as a Mercedes GLE 300D, a Range Rover, and a Mercedes GLC 220D.

Her declared income does not justify these expenditures. Shortly before the purchases, the couple officially divorced.

EU Response

The European Commission has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation but reaffirmed that fighting corruption remains one of the key prerequisites for Ukraine’s EU accession, Suspilne writes.

“Combating corruption requires sustained efforts to ensure strong institutional capacity and respect for the rule of law. The independence of anti-corruption bodies must be safeguarded — they are a cornerstone of Ukraine’s rule of law as a future EU member state,” the Commission’s press service stated.

The EU has urged Ukraine to consolidate its progress in major corruption cases, particularly in asset seizure and confiscation, and to prioritize those with the highest public impact.

“We will continue to closely monitor the rule of law situation and stand ready to provide support,” the statement added.

Ukraine remains heavily dependent on EU support as it continues to resist Russia’s war. Ukrainian citizens endure immense hardships but remain steadfast in their commitment to defending their sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Moscow seeks to exploit such scandals for propaganda purposes, attempting to spread narratives suggesting that Western nations should reduce their aid to Kyiv.