Zelensky Ally Accused in $100 Million Ukrainian Energy Sector Corruption Investigation

Ukraine's investigators have leveled serious accusations against a close associate of President Zelensky, claiming involvement in a $100 million corruption operation.

On Tuesday, Ukrainian investigators formally accused a prominent ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky of orchestrating a massive $100 million corruption scheme, marking a significant escalation in the country's ongoing battle against high-level graft.

The allegations against Timur Mindich represent the latest development in a widespread corruption scandal involving claims of substantial embezzlement from the energy sector, particularly troubling as Ukraine's infrastructure continues to suffer under persistent Russian attacks.

Mindich is a co-owner of Kvartal 95, the media production company established by Zelensky before his transition from comedy stardom to political leadership.

According to a prosecutor from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), "Mindich exercised control over the accumulation, distribution, and legalisation of money obtained through criminal means in the energy sector of Ukraine."

During a pre-trial hearing for another individual allegedly involved in the scheme, the prosecutor further stated that the suspect utilized "friendly relations with the president of Ukraine" in conducting his alleged criminal activities.

SAPO has also implicated Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who previously served as energy minister for four years, accusing him of receiving "personal benefits" from Mindich in exchange for control over financial flows within the energy sector.

On Monday, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced it had uncovered a corruption scheme in the energy sector involving $100 million in laundered funds. The bureau later revealed that five individuals had been arrested and seven others charged in connection with the case.

Following a 15-month investigation into the energy sector, which has been repeatedly targeted since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NABU conducted extensive raids across the country.

Oleksandr Abakumov, head of NABU's investigating team, informed Ukrainian state television that Mindich had departed the country shortly before the raids took place.

Allegations of embezzlement from the energy industry, especially during a period of constant attacks and widespread power shortages, have ignited fresh public outrage.

The elimination of systemic corruption remains a primary requirement for Ukraine's European Union membership. President Zelensky faced significant backlash from both Ukrainian citizens and Brussels officials over the summer when he attempted to bring the two independent anti-corruption bodies, NABU and SAPO, under governmental control.