Ukraine’s Former Energy Minister Detained at Border in Major Corruption Probe
German Galushchenko, Ukraine’s former energy minister, has been detained while attempting to leave the country, authorities confirmed, in a dramatic development tied to a sweeping anti-corruption investigation.
The detention was announced by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu), which said its detectives apprehended the ex-minister “while crossing the state border” as part of the high-profile “Midas” case. Although Nabu did not formally name Galushchenko, several prominent Ukrainian media outlets have identified him as the official involved.
Detained While Leaving Ukraine
According to reports, Galushchenko was stopped while traveling on a train departing Ukraine. It remains unclear which country he was intending to travel to. Radio Free Europe reported that he was being transported to Kyiv for further questioning after border guards were alerted to notify authorities if he attempted to flee.
Galushchenko served as energy minister for three years before being removed from his post last November amid allegations linked to a $100 million (£75 million) embezzlement scheme. He briefly held the position of justice minister before being asked to resign by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He has previously denied wrongdoing and said he would defend himself against the accusations.
Operation Midas and the $100 Million Energy Sector Scandal
The detention is part of “Operation Midas,” a 15-month investigation led by Nabu and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap). Investigators allege that multiple officials orchestrated a scheme to embezzle funds from Ukraine’s energy sector, including the state nuclear operator Energoatom.
Authorities claim that individuals involved systematically collected kickbacks ranging from 10% to 15% of contract values from Energoatom contractors. Anti-corruption bodies allege that large sums of money were laundered and transferred abroad, including to Russia. Investigators have published images showing bags filled with cash allegedly connected to the scheme.
Galushchenko was among several senior officials implicated in the investigation.
Political Fallout for Zelensky’s Administration
The corruption scandal has intensified scrutiny of Zelenskyy’s administration, which came to power promising to root out corruption prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigned after his home was searched as part of the broader probe. Neither Zelenskyy nor Yermak has been accused of wrongdoing.
The controversy has also fueled political pressure, including calls from the United States for Ukraine to hold elections. National elections have been suspended since the outbreak of war under constitutional provisions enacted during martial law.
Wider Investigation and Other Arrests
Other high-profile figures have also faced scrutiny. Former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov was arrested in November on suspicion of illicit enrichment after previously being charged with abuse of office.
Meanwhile, businessman Timur Mindich, reportedly linked to Zelenskyy’s former television production company Kvartal 95, is said to have left the country after being identified as a suspect.
The alleged embezzlement from Ukraine’s energy sector has sparked public outrage, particularly as Russia intensified attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Anti-Corruption Drive and EU Ambitions
Ukraine has long struggled with systemic corruption, despite the establishment of dedicated anti-corruption institutions such as Nabu and Sap nearly a decade ago. Strengthening anti-corruption measures remains a key requirement for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union.
