“Under the procedural leadership of the SAP prosecutor (Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office), NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) detectives reported a new suspicion in the 'Midas' case. It concerns the former Minister of Energy of Ukraine (in 2021-2025). He was accused of money laundering and participation in a criminal organization,” SAP reported on Monday.
What charges were brought against the former Minister of Energy of Ukraine?
Where was Herman Hałuszczenko detained?
What did the investigation into corruption in the Ukrainian energy sector reveal?
What did a fund registered in the Caribbean Sea do?
Charges against a former minister from Ukraine. There are details
The SAP press release reported that in 2021, when Halushchenko started working as Minister of Energy, on the island of Anguilla in the Caribbean Sea, at the initiative of participants of a criminal organization, a fund was registered that was supposed to attract approximately USD 100 million. “investment”. Among the “investors” of the fund was the Halushchenko family.
“Materials obtained in Ukraine and in international cooperation with the competent authorities of a number of countries indicate that during the suspect's stay in office, through his trusted person, known as 'Roket', the criminal organization received over USD 112 million in cash from illegal activities in the energy sector,” the statement reads.
These funds were legalized through various financial instruments, in particular cryptocurrency and “investing” in a fund. The investigation determined that over USD 7.4 million was transferred to the fund accounts managed by the suspect's family. In addition, over 1.3 million Swiss francs and 2.4 million euros were spent in cash and transferred directly to the family in Switzerland.
“Part of these funds were used to pay for the children's education in prestigious institutions in Switzerland and were deposited in the accounts of the ex-wife (of the suspect). The remaining part was placed in a deposit from which the family of a high-ranking official received additional income and also used it for their own needs,” stressed the SAP.
Corruption scandal in Ukraine
In November, NABU and SAP revealed an extensive corruption system in the Ukrainian energy sector. According to investigators, its participants collected bribes ranging from 10 to 15 percent from contractors of the state operator of nuclear power plants, Enerhoatom. contract values. Illegal means were to be legalized by the so-called back office in the center of Kiev, through which – as it was determined – approximately USD 100 million passed through.
Five people were detained and seven others were charged. The investigation, which is being conducted under the code name “Midas”, includes the name of Tymur Mindich, a businessman and associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Mindicz, who is hiding abroad, is considered the organizer of the entire operation. NABU also reported that it was documented how members of a criminal organization transferred money to former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov.
SAP prosecutors reported that Mindicz established contacts with the then Minister of Energy (until July 17, 2025), and later Minister of Justice, Halushchenko. Through him, Mindicz was to exercise control over financial flows in the gas and energy sectors of Ukraine. Halushchenko allegedly used Mindicz's services to launder money through a proxy advisor to the Minister of Energy, Ihor Myroniuk.
