Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have announced the completion of a 15-month investigation into a large corruption scheme at the state energy company Energoatom during the ongoing war. According to NABU and SAP, a group of individuals created a "watchers’" system, demanding 10-15% from contractors under threat of delayed payments or loss of supplier status.
The scheme was reportedly run by businessman Tymur Mindich (code name "Karlson"), a long-time associate of President Zelensky, Ihor Moroniuk ("Raketa"), a former energy ministry adviser, and Dmytro Basov ("Tenor"), Energoatom’s executive director for security. These individuals managed appointments, procurement, and financial flows from an office in central Kyiv, where cash was collected and laundered via non-resident companies and crypto assets.
More than $1.2 million and nearly €100,000 in cash were allegedly handed over to a former Deputy Prime Minister (code name "Chiguvara"), who is now cooperating with investigators. Both current and former government ministers, as well as relatives of top officials, are featured in the investigation.
The investigation has attracted attention because of the inclusion of presidential associates among those named. NABU and SAP emphasize that the corruption system continued even after initial legal action, and that authorities must demonstrate the ability to punish those involved regardless of their political ties. President Zelensky expressed support for the anti-corruption process but did not publicly address the involvement of his close associates by name.
Corruption in the energy sector amid Russian aggression and attacks on infrastructure has raised concerns among Ukraine’s international partners and could impact further financial aid. The case is now in court, with arrest motions being considered. Ukrainian institutions are under scrutiny to show they can deliver accountability, even in wartime.
