On the night of February 15, Ukrainian authorities apprehended former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko as he attempted to leave the country. His detention is linked to the ongoing “Midas” investigation into widespread corruption within the energy sector.
According to sources, Halushchenko was intercepted at the border following a request from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). These agencies had alerted border officials to monitor his movements in case he attempted to cross into another country.
Details surrounding the circumstances of his detention remain unclear. However, NABU has confirmed that Halushchenko was arrested during his attempt to exit Ukraine as part of the “Midas” case.
“Preliminary investigative actions are ongoing, conducted in accordance with legal requirements and court sanctions. Further details will be provided later,” stated the Bureau.
This incident follows revelations from November of the previous year, when NABU announced the exposure of a significant corruption scheme involving the state enterprise Energoatom. Investigators identified an organized group that allegedly influenced decisions within the state energy sector, demanding kickbacks of 10-15% from contract values.
The investigation has implicated various officials and business figures, including Sergey Pushkar, a member of the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NERC), businessman Timur Mindich, former Energoatom security director Dmytro Basov, and ex-deputy head of the State Property Fund Igor Mironyuk. These individuals reportedly manipulated staffing decisions, procurement processes, and financial transactions within the enterprise.
Halushchenko, who was previously suspended from his ministerial duties, was officially dismissed from his position by a parliamentary vote of 323. Alongside him, the then-Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk was also removed from office.
On November 21, sources indicated that Halushchenko had appeared for questioning at NABU.
Further details regarding the “Midas” operation and its implications for corruption in the energy sector will be addressed in subsequent reports.
Former Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has been detained while attempting to leave the country, linked to a significant corruption investigation in the energy sector. The ongoing "Midas" case has revealed extensive corrupt practices involving multiple officials and business figures.