Former Justice Minister Halushchenko appears for questioning in energy graft probe

The ex-minister was accompanied by his lawyers, the sources said.

Parliament dismissed Halushchenko from his post on Nov. 19, along with Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk. Media reports had suggested both might have fled abroad, but Grynchuk denied leaving the country that day.

Halushchenko is implicated in the NABU's Midas investigation into large-scale graft in the energy industry, which alleges businessman Timur Mindich orchestrated the scheme. NABU searched Halushchenko's properties on Nov. 10.

NABU said detectives documented a "high-level criminal organization" led by a "well-known media businessman." The group allegedly built an expansive scheme to influence the state nuclear firm Energoatom, demanding 10-15% kickbacks from contractors.

Five suspects were arrested and ordered held with bail options, including top Energoatom officials.