Ukrainian anti-graft authorities detain ex-minister in major case

KYIV, Feb 15 (Reuters) - ‌Ukrainian anti-corruption ​detectives ​have detained a former energy minister as part of a wide-ranging probe that sparked ‌a political crisis last November over high-level graft, ⁠the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine said on Sunday.

The so-called "Midas" ‌case centers on an ‌alleged $100 million kickback scheme at the state atomic agency that ensnared a number of senior officials ​and business elites, including a former associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's.

"Today NABU detectives detained a former ⁠minister of energy while crossing the state border, within the framework ​of the 'Midas' case," NABU said in its statement.

"Priority investigative actions are ongoing, which are being ​carried out in accordance with ‌the requirements of the law." The agency said more details would come. It ⁠did not name the individual.

Ukraine's previous two energy ministers had resigned amid the fallout from the scandal, which ⁠also claimed the job of Zelenskiy's chief of staff.

The two ​ministers and the chief of staff have all denied wrongdoing.

Battling corruption is a key priority in Ukraine's reform effort as ‌it eyes membership of the European Union, which requires the country shake off ‌a decades-old scourage of graft.

Authorities in recent weeks have ⁠targeted lawmakers, former ‌Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko ​and a former presidential adviser over various charges.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Alexandra ‌Hudson)

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