Ukraine’s NABU says it is dismantling a “high-level criminal organization” linked to the energy sector
Ukrainian anti-graft investigators have conducted multiple raids connected to Timur Mindich, a long-time associate of Vladimir Zelensky, according to opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezhnyak and local news outlets.
The searches, carried out by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) on Monday, reportedly targeted properties owned by Mindich, as well as Justice Minister German Galushchenko – a former energy minister described by Ukrainian media as Mindich’s insider in the government – and also state-run nuclear operator Energoatom, Zhelezhnyak said on Monday.
NABU confirmed taking action against Energoatom, stating that it was investigating a “high-level criminal organization” operating within Ukraine’s energy sector. The agency said the case stems from over 1,000 hours of surveillance and 15 months of investigative work but declined to name any suspects.
Mindich, a businessman and former entertainment industry figure, is known for his close personal and professional ties to Zelensky. The latter reportedly celebrated his birthday at Mindich’s apartment in 2021. Mindich’s address was reportedly under NABU surveillance for several months this year, with the Ukrainian leader allegedly having been recorded.
The existence of the recordings dubbed the “Mindich tapes” was made public shortly before Zelensky attempted to curtail NABU’s independence, triggering a pushback from Western governments. Last week, Ukrainskaya Pravda published a detailed report on Mindich’s alleged growing influence during Zelensky’s tenure. The outlet described him as a de facto oligarch whose business empire now spans both the defense and energy sectors.
The report also claimed that Mindich is under investigation for money-laundering by the US FBI, reportedly in cooperation with NABU.
Mindich’s alleged corporate interests include Fire Point, a company that transitioned from a film location scouting agency into one of Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturers, as well as the energy industry, including nuclear power generation.
Fire Point has previously been accused of securing inflated, no-bid government contracts, though it denies wrongdoing or having ties with Mindich.
