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Ukraine’s anti-graft agency raids properties tied to Zelensky associate
(MENAFN) Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) carried out a series of raids targeting high-profile figures allegedly connected to businessman Timur Mindich, a long-time associate of President Vladimir Zelensky, according to local reports and statements by opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezhnyak.
The searches on Monday reportedly focused on Mindich’s properties, as well as those belonging to Justice Minister German Galushchenko, a former energy minister described by Ukrainian media as one of Mindich’s close government contacts. NABU also conducted operations at the headquarters of Energoatom, the state-owned nuclear energy company.
In an official statement, NABU said it was investigating a “high-level criminal organization” operating within the country’s energy sector. The bureau noted that the probe followed over 1,000 hours of surveillance and 15 months of investigation, though it declined to identify specific suspects.
Images released by the agency showed large amounts of cash, including bundles of US $100 bills sealed in plastic wrap and marked with tags such as “ATLANTA” and “KAN CITY.”
Mindich, a businessman with roots in the entertainment industry, has long maintained both personal and professional ties with Zelensky. Reports indicate that the Ukrainian president even celebrated his 2021 birthday at Mindich’s residence. NABU had allegedly placed Mindich’s address under surveillance for several months earlier this year, during which the Ukrainian leader was reportedly recorded.
These recordings—referred to in media reports as the “Mindich tapes”—surfaced publicly shortly before Zelensky’s administration moved to limit NABU’s independence, prompting concern and resistance from Western partners.
Recent reports have also suggested that Mindich’s influence has expanded significantly during Zelensky’s presidency, describing him as a de facto oligarch with interests in both the defense and energy sectors.
In addition, Mindich is said to be under investigation by the US FBI for alleged money laundering, reportedly in coordination with NABU’s ongoing inquiries.
The searches on Monday reportedly focused on Mindich’s properties, as well as those belonging to Justice Minister German Galushchenko, a former energy minister described by Ukrainian media as one of Mindich’s close government contacts. NABU also conducted operations at the headquarters of Energoatom, the state-owned nuclear energy company.
In an official statement, NABU said it was investigating a “high-level criminal organization” operating within the country’s energy sector. The bureau noted that the probe followed over 1,000 hours of surveillance and 15 months of investigation, though it declined to identify specific suspects.
Images released by the agency showed large amounts of cash, including bundles of US $100 bills sealed in plastic wrap and marked with tags such as “ATLANTA” and “KAN CITY.”
Mindich, a businessman with roots in the entertainment industry, has long maintained both personal and professional ties with Zelensky. Reports indicate that the Ukrainian president even celebrated his 2021 birthday at Mindich’s residence. NABU had allegedly placed Mindich’s address under surveillance for several months earlier this year, during which the Ukrainian leader was reportedly recorded.
These recordings—referred to in media reports as the “Mindich tapes”—surfaced publicly shortly before Zelensky’s administration moved to limit NABU’s independence, prompting concern and resistance from Western partners.
Recent reports have also suggested that Mindich’s influence has expanded significantly during Zelensky’s presidency, describing him as a de facto oligarch with interests in both the defense and energy sectors.
In addition, Mindich is said to be under investigation by the US FBI for alleged money laundering, reportedly in coordination with NABU’s ongoing inquiries.
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