Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency, NABU, has accused former energy minister German Galushchenko of laundering millions in a corruption scandal, a day after his arrest while trying to leave the country. Galushchenko served as energy minister from 2021 to 2025 and briefly as justice minister before resigning due to the scandal. He is linked to the “Midas” case, which involves an alleged $100 million kickback scheme at the state nuclear company, Energoatom.
The scandal has implicated high-ranking officials and members of Ukraine’s business elite, raising concerns among Western allies. NABU’s statement claims Galushchenko laundered over $7 million, with money transferred to foreign accounts for the benefit of his family, including expenses for elite education in Switzerland. Galushchenko denies any wrongdoing, and attempts to contact him for comments were unsuccessful.
The Midas scheme reportedly involved bribery linked to Energoatom’s projects, which included protecting energy facilities from Russian attacks. The case was orchestrated by former Zelenskiy associate Timur Mindich, who fled abroad. Last year’s political fallout from the case led to the dismissal of Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, intensifying public frustration towards corruption amid the ongoing war with Russia. President Zelenskiy reversed attempts to curtail the independence of anti-corruption agencies due to public protests and Western pressure, as fighting corruption remains crucial for Ukraine’s EU membership ambitions.
With information from Reuters
