Key points: Ukrainian anti‑corruption investigators say Tymur Mindich, a former associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, organised an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme tied to Energoatom contracts, demanding kickbacks up to 15%. NABU's 15‑month probe reportedly included about 1,000 hours of wiretaps and roughly 70 raids; Mindich is believed to have fled to Israel. Zelenskyy, not implicated, sanctioned his ex‑partner and called for accountability as investigations continue.
Ex‑Zelenskyy Partner Accused of Running $100M Embezzlement Network Linked to State Energy Contracts
Key points: Ukrainian anti‑corruption investigators say Tymur Mindich, a former associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, organised an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme tied to Energoatom contracts, demanding kickbacks up to 15%. NABU's 15‑month probe reportedly included about 1,000 hours of wiretaps and roughly 70 raids; Mindich is believed to have fled to Israel. Zelenskyy, not implicated, sanctioned his ex‑partner and called for accountability as investigations continue.
11:59 PM, 11/15/2025Politics
Ex‑Zelenskyy Partner Accused of Running $100M Embezzlement Network
Ukrainian anti‑corruption investigators say Tymur Mindich, a former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, masterminded an alleged embezzlement scheme that siphoned about $100 million from state energy contracts.
According to the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and reporting by the Kyiv Independent, the 15‑month probe found that Mindich organised a network of loyalists who pressured contractors working for Energoatom, the state nuclear operator, to pay kickbacks of up to 15% to bypass bureaucratic hurdles. NABU said the group "set up a major corruption scheme to control key state‑owned enterprises."
The investigation reportedly involved roughly 1,000 hours of wiretaps and about 70 raids. Law enforcement searched properties linked to Mindich on Nov. 10, but sources told reporters he was allegedly tipped off and fled; subsequent reports say he is believed to have left for Israel.
President Zelenskyy, who is not implicated in the probe, imposed sanctions on his former associate after the anti‑corruption findings were made public. In an evening address, Zelenskyy said: "Any effective actions against corruption are very needed. The inevitability of punishment is necessary," according to the Kyiv Independent.
The probe also touched senior officials. Sources cited by the Kyiv Independent said Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko—who served as energy minister from 2021 to 2025—was among those whose offices were searched. Activists, including Tetiana Shevchuk of the Anti‑Corruption Action Center, said the public evidence has given substance to long‑running rumours that Mindich was a "shadow controller" in the energy sector.
Mindich previously co‑owned Zelenskyy’s production company Kvartal 95, a connection critics say helped him gain access to political and business circles. NABU is also reported to be investigating Mindich's alleged ties to Fire Point, a Ukrainian drone manufacturer, though the agency has not publicly released findings on that separate inquiry.
Context: The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of corruption in Ukraine during wartime, when energy infrastructure and reliable electricity are especially critical. Some international outlets also noted limited public comment from the U.S. administration as the story unfolded.
Mindich remains at large as of reporting, and Ukrainian authorities continue to investigate and pursue those allegedly involved. Multiple news organisations, including the Kyiv Independent, Politico and the Associated Press, have covered the unfolding case.