Ukraine this week was rocked by a scandal considered the most serious in President Volodymyr Zelensky's tenure, after anti-corruption agencies released information about a plot to embezzle about 100 million USD from the national energy sector.
The incident occurred at a time when Ukrainians were suffering from persistent power outages due to Russian airstrikes. The government said it has spent tens of millions of euros to protect energy infrastructure from drones and missiles.
any action against corruption is necessary. The strictness of the law is indispensable, Zelensky said on the evening of November 12.
Midas Campaign and sophisticated money laundering ring
The National Anti-Corruption Agency of Ukraine (NABU) in collaboration with the Special Prosecutor's Office (SAP) dismantled a criminal organization consisting of incumbents, former ministers, businessmen and a former deputy prime minister.
The 15-month investigation, called the Midas Campaign, involved more than 1,000 hours of spying and seizing several wallets.
NABU said the group was accused of manipulating contracts at Energoatom - the national nuclear energy corporation - to get a return of 10-15% of the value of each contract, equivalent to about 100 million USD, laundered through a secret office in Kiev. Five of the seven suspects have been arrested.
Many senior officials were named
At the center of the storm was businessman Timur Mindich, co-owner of the Kvartal 95 film production company - where Zelenskyy worked before entering politics. NABU identified Timur Mindich as the brain of the ring and a person with a close relationship with the President.
Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who has served as energy minister, was suspended from office after being accused of helping Mindich launder money. Although not prosecuted, he said he would defend himself in court if necessary.
Oleksiy Chernyshov, a former Deputy Prime Minister and longtime ally of Mr Zelensky, was taped with the nickname Che Guevara and accused of receiving more than $1.2 million and 100,000 euros from the network.
A number of other officials, including the former ministries adviser and former security chief Energoatom, are also being investigated.
Investigation lines expand to the defense sector
In parallel with the Energoatom case, NABU also opened a separate investigation into fraud in supply contracts, related to the purchase of poor quality bulletproof armor from China.
Former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that he had met Timur Mindich to discuss the contract, but insists there have been no violations and the contract has been terminated.
President Zelensky before the political storm
Although not charged in connection, Mr. Zelensky is facing great pressure amid declining public confidence. In the summer, the government sought to limit the independence of NABU and SAP, causing strong public opposition.
This time, the President has declared support for the investigation to the end, demanding that the relevant ministers resign and impose sanctions on two businessmen named, possibly Timur Mindich - who fled to Israel before being prosecuted.
It is unreasonable that there are still profiteering plots while the country is suffering from losses and bombs. Ukraine needs cleanliness to survive, Zelensky stressed.
