A Ukrainian anti-corruption watchdog organization uncovered a $100 million embezzlement scheme taking place within Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inner circle.The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), a Ukrainian watchdog agency, disclosed the findings of its 15-month-long investigation, dubbed “Operation Midas,” which included approximately 1,000 hours of wiretaps.  He is not the clean person promised to be.

     NABU revealed that Energoatom, a state-run nuclear company, shelled out roughly $100 million to secure government contracts, amounting to a major kickback scheme allegedly led by Timur Mindich, a close business partner of Zelensky.  According to authorities, Mindich laundered the money with the assistance of German Galushchenko, a former Ukrainian Justice Minister and Energy Minister, who allegedly facilitated the operation from within the government.

     In the announcement, NABU alleged that approximately $1.2 million was laundered to a former deputy prime minister of Ukraine, identified internally by the codename “Che Guevara.”  “Using their official connections in the ministry and the state-owned company, [the suspects] ensured control over personnel decisions, procurement processes, and financial flows,” the anti-corruption agencies announced in a statement.  

     Mindich reportedly fled to Israel prior to a raid at his home, according to The Times of Israel.

Mindich was previously a wealthy Ukrainian entertainment industry entrepreneur, going on to co-own Zelensky’s production company, Kvartal 95, while Zelensky pursued his comedy career before entering politics.  After Zelensky became president in 2019, Mindich’s influence grew, as he became a close associate with Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky, who supported Zelensky’s presidential campaign.  Zelensky went on to cut ties with Kolomoysky, who was later arrested on fraud and money-laundering charges, prompting Mindich to fill.