Ukraine’s ex-energy minister has been apprehended while attempting to depart the nation. Authorities confirmed his detention, which follows his implication in a corruption scandal alongside other officials.
German Galushchenko, who was dismissed from his ministerial post last year, was intercepted on a train departing Ukraine, according to one of the country’s two primary anti-corruption agencies. The destination he intended to reach remains unspecified.
He was among several individuals within Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration linked to an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme that surfaced in November. This scandal posed a significant threat to his government, which had gained power on a platform of combating corruption prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky’s chief-of-staff and closest wartime advisor, had previously resigned after his residence was searched in connection with the investigation. Neither President Zelensky nor Yermak have been formally accused of any misconduct.
However, the unfolding scandal has intensified pressure from the United States for Ukraine to conduct elections. These have been on hold since the commencement of hostilities in 2022, a situation mandated by constitutional provisions.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu), in a statement released Sunday, announced that its investigators apprehended the former energy minister “during his attempt to cross the state border.” This action was taken as part of what is referred to as the Midas case. While Nabu did not explicitly name Galushchenko, Ukrainian media reports strongly suggest his identity.
Galushchenko previously served briefly as justice minister. He was instructed by President Zelensky to resign this role in November, after having spent three years as energy minister. His successor in the energy portfolio, Svitlana Hrynchuk, also stepped down in the wake of her implication in the scandal.
Nabu has not provided any further particulars regarding Galushchenko’s apprehension. The agency indicated that updates would be issued when available. Radio Free Europe reports suggest he is being transported to Kyiv for further questioning. Border guards had reportedly been alerted to notify authorities should he attempt to flee.
Operation Midas, a broad anti-corruption initiative, represents the culmination of 15 months of investigative work by Nabu and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap), Ukraine’s other principal anti-corruption body. These agencies have accused multiple individuals of orchestrating a scheme to embezzle funds within Ukraine’s energy sector, notably involving the national nuclear operator, Energoatom.
Galushchenko is alleged to have systematically received kickbacks from Energoatom contractors. These payments reportedly constituted between 10% and 15% of the contract values. The anti-corruption authorities also stated that substantial sums were laundered through this scheme. Photographs depicting bags filled with cash were released as evidence. These funds were subsequently transferred out of Ukraine, with some destinations reportedly including Russia, according to Nabu.
In November, former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov was detained on suspicion of “illicit enrichment,” following prior charges of abuse of office. Timur Mindich, a businessman and co-owner of President Zelensky’s former television studio Kvartal 95, is reported to have left the country after being identified as a suspect in the investigation.
The accusation that these individuals enriched themselves from Ukraine’s energy sector generated particular domestic anger. This occurred as Russia intensified attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure in anticipation of a harsh winter. Corruption has historically afflicted the former Soviet republic, persisting despite the operational presence of Nabu and Sap for the past decade.
Addressing corruption is considered a critical prerequisite for Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union.