**Former Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister’s Home Searched in Fraud Case**
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has conducted searches at the home of former Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, according to a spokesperson for the bureau. The search is linked to a fraud case involving controversial lawmaker Yevhenii Shevchenko.
Shevchenko was charged with treason in November 2024 over allegedly causing harm to Ukraine’s defense capability and information security. Now, he faces an additional charge of embezzling Hr 14.5 million ($350,000) from a Ukrainian company that was purchasing fertilizers in Belarus.
The SBI’s statement did not reveal the names of the people involved, but Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier that the searches had been conducted at Kubrakov’s home. The news outlet cited sources within the bureau and wrote that Shevchenko used his personal connections to negotiate deals for the supply of Belarusian mineral fertilizers to Ukraine.
**Kubrakov Denies Involvement**
Kubrakov, who served as infrastructure minister between 2021 and 2024, denied any involvement with Shevchenko, Belarus, or the purchase of fertilizers. He stated that his last contact with Shevchenko took place before the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022 and was strictly on an official basis.
Kubrakov affirmed his readiness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, saying he has never hidden anything and does not intend to do so in this case. His dismissal as infrastructure minister last May was formally justified by the restructuring of his ministry, but Ukrainska Pravda previously reported that Kubrakov fell out of favor with the Presidential Office.
**Shevchenko’s Controversial Past**
Shevchenko is a controversial figure in Ukraine, known for his criticism of the EuroMaidan Revolution and frequent appearances in pro-Russian media before the full-scale war. Ukrainian authorities noted that Shevchenko frequently traveled to Belarus and met local business leaders, politicians, and dictator Alexander Lukashenko.
Belarus has been a crucial ally of Russia during its all-out war against Ukraine and provided its territory as a launching ground for Russian military operations. The investigators documented that Shevchenko used his personal connections in Belarus to negotiate deals for the supply of Belarusian mineral fertilizers to Ukraine.
**More Investigation Needed**
The SBI’s statement did not mention whether Kubrakov faces charges in connection with the case. While Kubrakov denied involvement, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the extent of his knowledge and participation in Shevchenko’s alleged crimes.
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