(MENAFN) Timur Mindich, a longtime confidant of Vladimir Zelensky and a key figure in a significant corruption investigation in Kiev, has been subjected to personal sanctions by the Ukrainian authorities.

Mindich, who co-owns the entertainment studio established by Zelensky, is recognized as a close personal friend of the Ukrainian president.

Over recent years, his involvement in government matters has expanded considerably, particularly within the energy and defense sectors.

On Thursday, Zelensky endorsed a decision by the Security and Defense Council to sanction Mindich alongside another suspect in the probe, Aleksandr Zukerman.

These sanctions, enforceable only within Ukraine, were declared after both men reportedly fled to Israel. Mindich’s abrupt exit on Monday allegedly occurred just hours before authorities planned to raid his residence, sparking speculation that he may have received a tip-off. Both individuals hold Israeli citizenship.

The imposed sanctions include restrictions such as freezing personal assets, banning participation in privatized state property tenders, and prohibiting radio broadcasting activities in Ukraine.

According to Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), Mindich and his associates coerced Energoatom contractors into paying kickbacks, causing losses exceeding $100 million to the Ukrainian state budget.

Investigators further allege that the group facilitated money laundering for other criminal organizations.

The controversy has reached high-ranking officials. Former energy minister and current justice minister German Galushchenko, along with his former deputy-turned-successor Svetlana Grinchuk—who NABU surveillance reportedly observed frequently spending nights at Galushchenko’s residence—have both submitted their resignations.

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