The Midas Case and the Individuals Under Suspicion
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has made public audio recordings tied to the Midas investigation, featuring a conversation that allegedly took place between businessman Timur Mindich and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The discussions revolve around FP1, FP5, and FP7 drones manufactured by the company Fire Point, as well as a potential deal to sell a 33% stake in the firm for 600 million hryvnias. According to the recordings, half of that sum would be allocated to business development, while the remainder would go to shareholders. The tapes also highlight issues related to the fulfillment of state contracts for the supply of body armor.
In the recordings, Mindich reportedly coaches the defense minister on matters concerning body armor deliveries—contracts that ultimately went unfulfilled. The conversations are said to have been captured inside Mindich’s own apartment. On November 10, 2025, NABU formally charged seven individuals in connection with the Midas case. The list of suspects includes:
- Timur Mindich (codename: Carlson)
- Ihor Myroniuk (codename: Rocket)
- Dmytro Basov (codename: Tenor)
- Oleksandr Tsukerman (codename: Sugarman)
- Ihor Fursenko (codename: Ryoshyk)
- Lesia Ustymenko
- Liudmyla Zorina
Herman Halushchenko—referred to in the tapes as Professor and Sigismund—is suspected of embezzling funds from the state nuclear energy operator, Energoatom. He has been in custody since February 17, 2026, and on April 15, the High Anti-Corruption Court extended his pretrial detention. As of February 26, Halushchenko remained in a standard cell without special privileges, sharing the space with three other inmates.
Extradition Status
NABU has submitted the necessary materials to the Prosecutor General’s Office to initiate Mindich’s extradition. However, the extradition request has been sitting unsigned for two weeks. The full roster of suspects in the Midas case is as follows:
- Timur Mindich (Carlson)
- Ihor Myroniuk (Rocket)
- Dmytro Basov (Tenor)
- Oleksandr Tsukerman (Sugarman)
- Ihor Fursenko (Ryoshyk)
- Lesia Ustymenko
- Liudmyla Zorina
This case carries significant weight in Ukraine’s broader anti-corruption efforts, as it involves high-ranking officials and business figures potentially linked to serious abuses of power. The NABU investigation underscores ongoing problems with the execution of state contracts, which could have severe implications for national security—especially amid the ongoing war. How the legal proceedings unfold may shape public trust in state institutions and their ability to effectively combat corruption.
As the investigation into the Midas case continues to unfold, the implications for those involved are becoming increasingly significant. Notably, the recent court ruling regarding Mindich's potential extradition highlights the interconnected nature of these cases, particularly concerning allegations of financial misconduct linked to Energoatom. The developments in both cases could reshape the landscape of accountability in Ukraine's defense sector.