N.Y. Official Accused of Aiding China, Zelensky Plans Cabinet Shake-Up
New York Official Charged With Forgery and Lying to FBI
Tianjin Fan, a former researcher and biochemistry professor at Columbia University, was arrested after authorities accused him of hiding his ties to China and lying about his research activities to the FBI.
Fan is accused of conspiring to evade economic sanctions by trying to ship sensitive research materials to China, making false statements to the FBI, and destroying evidence.
He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements to a federal agency, destruction, alteration, and falsification of records in a federal investigation.
Ukrainian President Plans Cabinet Shake-Up
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planning a major overhaul of his government, asking parliament to dismiss seven ministers, including the defense minister, after a series of corruption allegations.
Zelenskyy's approval ratings have fallen in recent months amid public anger over corruption, and Western allies have pressured him to crack down on graft.
The move is seen as an attempt to shore up Zelenskyy's support and demonstrate his commitment to tackling corruption.
Ministers to Be Dismissed
The seven ministers who Zelenskyy has asked parliament to dismiss are:
- Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov
- Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko
- Minister of Justice Denys Malyuska
- Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko
- Minister of Education Serhii Shkarlet
- Minister of Sports and Youth Vadym Gutzeit
- Minister of Social Policy Andrii Reva
Allegations Against Ministers
The allegations against the ministers have not been made public, but some have been accused of corruption.
The allegations come at a sensitive time for Ukraine, as the country fights a war against Russia and seeks to join the European Union.
Zelenskyy's Response
Zelenskyy has vowed to crack down on corruption and has pledged to bring those responsible to justice.
He has also called for a "reset" in the fight against corruption, and has asked parliament to pass new anti-corruption legislation.
Western Reaction
Western allies have welcomed Zelenskyy's pledge to tackle corruption.
The US Embassy in Kyiv said that it is "committed to supporting Ukraine's efforts to combat corruption."
The EU has also said that it is "supportive of President Zelenskyy's efforts to tackle corruption."
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