A sweeping corruption scandal involving Ukraine’s state nuclear energy company has thrust Tymur Mindich, a once-shadowy figure with deep ties to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, into the spotlight. Mindich, a former business partner of Zelenskyy, is accused of orchestrating a $100 million embezzlement scheme, according to a 15-month investigation by Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies. The probe alleges that Mindich wielded significant influence over top officials, including former Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko, who resigned following the revelations. Mindich has since fled the country, leaving criminal proceedings to likely unfold in absentia. His rise to power, activists argue, was facilitated by his privileged relationship with Zelenskyy and his inner circle, enabling him to dominate lucrative sectors like energy and agriculture. The scandal has also implicated Mindich in alleged dealings with Ukraine’s top drone manufacturer, Fire Point, though no findings have been disclosed. This case underscores the pervasive corruption challenges Ukraine faces, particularly during wartime, as it seeks to stabilize its energy infrastructure and combat external threats.
Once a shadowy dealmaker, one-time Zelenskyy associate is accused in Ukrainian corruption scandal
