Ex-Minister Galushchenko Faces Detention or $5 Million Bail in High-Profile Corruption Case

Pre-Trial Measures for Herman Galushchenko

According to Главком: The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has ordered former minister Herman Galushchenko, a suspect in the 'Midas' case, to be held in custody for 60 days or post bail of 200 million Ukrainian hryvnias (approximately $5 million USD). Galushchenko was detained on February 15, 2026, while attempting to leave the country. He faces charges of money laundering and participation in a criminal organization. This case is part of a broader crackdown on high-level corruption that has been a key focus for Ukraine's judicial and anti-corruption bodies.

The court partially granted the request of a detective from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). While the prosecution sought bail of 425 million hryvnias, the court set the alternative amount at 200 million. The pre-trial restrictions will remain in effect for 60 days. Galushchenko is prohibited from leaving the Kyiv city and region without permission and from communicating with other suspects in the 'Midas' case, specifically Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Zuckerman.

Court Proceedings and Testimony

Judge Viktor Nogachevsky questioned Galushchenko about his ability to pay the bail. Galushchenko, in turn, denied the allegations of money laundering and involvement in a criminal organization. He stated he was traveling by train to visit his children in Switzerland, with a planned connection in Warsaw to Geneva at 14:00 on February 15. At the time of his attempted departure from Ukraine, he did not have formal suspect status.

On February 16, the court considered a defense complaint regarding the legality of the detention. The court ruled that the official time of detention was 06:00 on February 15, 2026, and denied a request to release Galushchenko from custody. It is worth noting that on November 10, 2025, NABU announced suspicions against seven individuals in the 'Midas' case. In wiretapped recordings, figures in the case referred to Herman Galushchenko as 'Professor' and 'Sigismund'.

High-level corruption cases remain a critical issue for Ukrainian society and its judicial system. The involvement of multiple individuals in the 'Midas' case suggests a potentially extensive network of corrupt dealings. The circumstances surrounding Galushchenko's detention are likely to influence public perception of the effectiveness of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies and judiciary, as well as the future trajectory of this and related cases.