On February 15, former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko was apprehended by detectives from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) while crossing the state border. This action is part of an ongoing investigation known as the “Midas” case, as confirmed by NABU’s press service.
NABU indicated that preliminary investigative actions are underway, adhering to legal requirements and judicial sanctions. Further details regarding the detention have yet to be disclosed.
Halushchenko has not publicly commented on the NABU statement. His dismissal, along with Justice Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk, was announced by the Verkhovna Rada on November 19, following their absence from a parliamentary session.
Previously, Halushchenko had expressed that he did not cling to his ministerial position and viewed his suspension during the investigation as a civilized and appropriate course of action.
On November 10, NABU revealed the exposure of a criminal organization primarily involved in systematically obtaining illicit gains from Energoatom contractors, ranging from 10% to 15% of contract values. The bureau claims that approximately $100 million was laundered through a back office located in central Kyiv, which reportedly belonged to the family of former MP and current Russian senator Andriy Derkach, who is implicated in another criminal case by NABU and SAP.
In an interview with Ukrainian Pravda, NABU detective Oleksandr Abakumov stated that during the investigation, detectives documented the involvement of four ministers from various governmental periods, indicating that not all of them are current officials.
Former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has been detained by NABU as part of a corruption investigation linked to illicit gains from Energoatom contracts. The case has revealed extensive financial misconduct and the involvement of multiple government officials.