Former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko Detained
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) has filed a court request to hold former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko in custody, setting bail at 425 million Ukrainian hryvnias (approximately $10.6 million USD). Halushchenko was detained on February 15, 2026, while attempting to leave Ukraine. He faces charges of money laundering and participation in a criminal organization. This case is part of a wider crackdown on high-level corruption that has been a key condition for Ukraine's international support.
'Operation Midas' and the Suspects
The High Anti-Corruption Court reviewed Halushchenko's complaint about unlawful detention and partially upheld it. In a related development, on November 10, 2025, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced suspicions against seven individuals as part of 'Operation Midas'.
- Tymur Mindich, businessman and co-founder of the 'Kvartal-95' studio, codename: Carlson
- Ihor Myroniuk, former advisor to the energy minister, codename: Rocket
- Dmytro Basov, security executive director of the 'Energoatom' company, codename: Tenor
- Oleksandr Zuckerman, codename: Sugarman
- Ihor Fursenko, codename: Ryoshik
- Lesia Ustymenko
- Liudmyla Zorina
The situation involving Halushchenko and the other suspects remains under intense public and media scrutiny.
This case has become one of the most high-profile in Ukraine, highlighting the activity of anti-corruption bodies in tackling graft at the highest levels of power. The detention of Halushchenko and others underscores the gravity of the accusations and their potential consequences for Ukraine's political landscape. If guilt is proven, it could significantly impact public trust in state institutions and their representatives.