KYIV, Nov 20 – An ally of former Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk is accused of embezzling $17.29 million through controversial transaction while importing uranium from Kazakhstan, officials said Tuesday.

Mykola Martynenko, a former lawmaker, is understood to have financed campaigns of Yatseniuk-led party. The litigation may become a serious political liability for Yatseniuk ahead of the presidential election next year.