Former Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has been detained while attempting to cross the border, as part of an ongoing investigation led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) into alleged embezzlement at Energoatom, the state nuclear energy company.
NABU confirmed the detention and stated that investigative actions are being conducted in accordance with legal requirements and court sanctions. Halushchenko previously claimed to be a witness in the case, stating, “I did not hide this; I provided testimony and answered questions.” When asked if he anticipated any charges against himself, he responded, “You can expect anything. I do not know.”
On November 10, NABU announced the launch of a large-scale operation named “Midas” aimed at uncovering corruption within the energy sector. This operation included over 70 searches. According to the investigation, the scheme’s organizers received kickbacks of up to 15% of contract values from Energoatom, paid by contractors who were imposed by the scheme’s participants.
NABU alleges that the laundered funds were processed in back offices located in central Kyiv, which reportedly belonged to the family of former Ukrainian MP and current Russian senator Andriy Derkach. The investigation estimates that the suspects managed to launder a total of $100 million.
During the operation, NABU released recordings of conversations among key figures involved, who were identified by codenames. The primary suspects include businessmen Timur Mindich, co-owner of “Kvartal 95,” with the codename “Carlson,” and Oleksandr Tsukerman, known as “Sugar Man.” Both individuals left the country shortly before the searches were conducted and have since been placed on a wanted list and sanctioned.
Alexander Abakumov, head of the NABU detective group, noted that the corruption investigation has implicated four ministers from various periods of the Ukrainian government, including Halushchenko. Searches were also conducted at his premises. On November 12, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko submitted a resolution to the Parliament calling for Halushchenko’s dismissal, along with the removal of the Minister of Energy, Svitlana Hrynchuk. The Parliament approved these resolutions on November 19.
Timofiy Milovanov, former Minister of Economy from 2019 to 2020 and current president of the Kyiv School of Economics, announced his resignation from Energoatom’s supervisory board. Subsequently, Prime Minister Svyrydenko declared that the government would restart Energoatom’s operations, with the first decision being the dissolution of its supervisory board. A new board is expected to be appointed by the end of the year.
Former Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has been detained as part of a corruption investigation involving Energoatom. The operation has led to significant developments within the Ukrainian government and the energy sector.