The Midas Case: Fresh Evidence and New Suspects
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has released new audio recordings tied to the Midas investigation. The tapes were reportedly captured inside the apartment of businessman Timur Mindich. They feature a conversation between Mindich and Rustem Umerov, who at the time was serving as Ukraine’s Minister of Defense. The discussion centers on Umerov’s potential appointment as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, as well as the possibility of Denys Shmyhal taking over as Minister of Defense.
On November 10, 2025, NABU formally charged seven individuals in connection with the Midas case. The list of suspects includes:
- Timur Mindich (code name Carlson)
- Ihor Myronyuk (Rocket) — former advisor to the Minister of Energy
- Dmytro Basov (Tenor) — executive director for security at Energoatom
- Oleksandr Tsukerman (Sugarman)
- Ihor Fursenko (Ryoshyk)
- Lesya Ustymenko
- Lyudmyla Zorina
In the recordings, Herman Halushchenko is referred to by the nicknames Professor and Sigismund.
Extended Detention and Extradition Proceedings
On April 15, the High Anti-Corruption Court extended the detention of Herman Halushchenko, who is suspected of embezzling funds from Energoatom. Halushchenko has been in custody since February 17, 2026, and as of February 26, he is being held in a standard cell with three other inmates.
Meanwhile, NABU has submitted materials to the Prosecutor General’s Office to request the extradition of Timur Mindich. However, the extradition request remains unsigned and has been sitting at the Prosecutor General’s Office for two weeks. These developments underscore the gravity of the investigation and the potential consequences for those implicated in the Midas case.
The Midas investigation highlights the active efforts of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies to combat high-level graft. The newly released recordings could significantly impact the country’s political landscape and future government appointments. The push for Mindich’s extradition also underscores the international dimension of the fight against corruption.
These recent developments in the Midas case raise significant questions about the future of those involved, particularly regarding the extradition of businessman Timur Mindich. As NABU continues its investigation, the implications of these charges could have far-reaching effects on Ukraine's political landscape.