Ukraine Launches Corruption Investigation Targeting Energy Sector and Zelenskyy Associate

Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities conducted large-scale searches today at properties linked to senior government officials and a former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as part of a probe into alleged corruption within the country’s energy sector.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sapo) initiated the investigation following a 15-month inquiry that uncovered evidence of a scheme involving “kickbacks” from contractors hired to build fortifications for energy infrastructure. Approximately 70 searches were carried out, and investigators have gathered over 1,000 hours of audio recordings as evidence. Nabu stated the scheme attempted to influence strategically important public enterprises, including Ukraine’s national nuclear power company Energoatom. The investigation comes as Ukraine faces escalating Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages and increased scrutiny of the government’s preparedness.

Former energy minister and current justice minister German Galushchenko, along with Timur Mindich, a wealthy businessman and co-owner of the Kvartal 95 entertainment company founded with Zelenskyy, are among those under investigation. Photographs released by Nabu show bags filled with US dollars, euros, and Ukrainian hryvnia, with officials claiming around $100 million was “laundered” in the scheme. Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak has proposed a parliamentary vote to dismiss Galushchenko. This investigation highlights the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in combating corruption, a key condition for continued international support.

President Zelenskyy voiced support for the investigation in his evening address, urging officials to cooperate with law enforcement and stating, “There must be sentences.” He emphasized the importance of Energoatom, which provides the “largest share of its energy generation,” and its secure operation. Nabu and Sapo declined to provide further comment, while Mindich and Galushchenko did not respond to requests for comment.