Ukrainian authorities are preparing extradition documents for two key suspects in the Midas case, businessman Timur Mindich and his partner Alexander Tsukerman, who are currently in Israel. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) Director Semen Kryvonos stated that while the extradition process is underway, it remains uncertain whether Israel will comply with the request.
Kryvonos explained in an interview that the extradition procedure is complex and involves multiple steps, including the preparation and submission of a formal request, as well as ongoing communication with international partners. He emphasized the challenges posed by the legal systems in the jurisdictions involved, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“It is difficult to guarantee a successful extradition from Israel or any other country,” Kryvonos remarked, highlighting that the situation in Ukraine has been used as a justification by some suspects to avoid extradition. He noted that courts in various European jurisdictions have occasionally accepted security concerns as valid reasons to deny extradition requests.
Despite these challenges, Kryvonos mentioned that there have been recent successes in extraditing individuals back to Ukraine. As for the current status of the extradition request for Mindich and Tsukerman, he confirmed that the documents are being prepared and submitted through the Office of the Prosecutor General.
The Midas operation, launched on November 10, 2025, aimed to uncover corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector, resulting in over 70 searches. Investigators allege that the scheme’s organizers received kickbacks of up to 15% from contracts with Energoatom, facilitated by companies they imposed on the agency.
According to NABU, approximately $100 million was laundered through back offices in Kyiv linked to the family of former Ukrainian MP and current Russian senator Andriy Derkach. The operation led to the identification of several key figures, including Mindich, who was known as “Carlson,” and Tsukerman, referred to as “Sugar Man.” Both suspects fled Ukraine shortly before the operation commenced and have since been placed on a wanted list.
In connection with the case, NABU has also implicated four former Ukrainian ministers, including former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, who is under investigation. Following the revelations, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko submitted a motion to the Parliament for Halushchenko’s dismissal, which was approved on November 19.
Additionally, other individuals connected to the case have faced legal actions. Private entrepreneur Lesya Ustimenko was ordered to be held in custody for 60 days with the possibility of bail set at 25 million UAH. Igor Mironyuk, identified as a former advisor to Halushchenko, was also detained with a bail set at 126 million UAH.
Further developments include the detention of Energoatom’s security director Igor Fursenko and physical security director Dmytro Basov, both facing similar legal proceedings. On December 1, Mindich was placed under arrest in absentia, with the investigation considering the possibility of involving Interpol for his apprehension during border crossings.
On February 15, 2026, Halushchenko was detained while attempting to cross the border, leading to formal charges against him the following day.
Ukrainian officials are working on extraditing Timur Mindich and Alexander Tsukerman from Israel in connection with the Midas corruption case. The process is complex and uncertain, reflecting ongoing challenges in international legal cooperation amid the war in Ukraine.