SBU released intercepted conversations of Hale: “Maybe the minister in Kharkiv will be blown up”
13 August 2024 22:47
VIDEO
The Security Service of Ukraine has published new evidence in the case of a half-million-dollar bribe paid to Deputy Energy Minister Oleksandr Hale, "Komersant Ukrainian" has reported
The video published by the SBU shows a recorded conversation between allegedly ex-deputy energy minister Oleksandr Hale and his accomplice. The defendants discussed in what parts they would receive the bribe, how they would transfer it and how they would divide the money.
They also mention the Minister of energy German Galushchenko, who can be “blown up” during a business trip to Kharkiv.
“The minister is travelling to Kharkiv today. Maybe he will be blown up there somewhere?”, – says one of the defendants in the case to Heylu.
The SBU also showed a video of a participant in the scheme receiving the first tranche.
According to the materials of the case, in exchange for a bribe of 500 thousand dollars, the official, using his authority, promised to the heads of state enterprises of Lviv-Volyn coal basin unhindered transfer to the use of mining equipment from the mines of the frontline district of Donetsk region.
Hale case
on 12 August, Oleksandr Hale was exposed for accepting a bribe of half a million dollars. On the same day, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed him from his post.
According to the prosecutor, Kheylo was responsible for the activities of coal companies in the Energy Ministry, in particular, for the efficiency of Selidovugol and Volynugol. According to the investigation, the official demanded money for granting permission to remove mining equipment from the frontline region.
The session was attended by the corruption suspect, his defence lawyers and the prosecution. The prosecution asked to arrest the former deputy energy minister with the possibility of being released on 30 million hryvnia bail.
Hale was arrested for 60 days – until 8 October inclusive.
In case of bail, Oleksandr Hale will have a number of obligations. In particular, to wear an electronic bracelet, to deposit his passports, not to leave Kyiv and Kyiv region without permission, to report changes in place of residence and work, to refrain from communicating with other suspects in the case and witnesses.
Read more about the case here.
