Ukrainian authorities have detained former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko as he attempted to leave the country. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) confirmed the arrest on Sunday, linking it to a high-profile corruption investigation known as the “Midas” case.
This detention marks a significant development in what is being described as the largest anti-corruption scandal during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration. Halushchenko, who also briefly served as Justice Minister, is suspected of involvement in a scheme to misappropriate funds from the state’s energy sector.
Detained While Trying to Flee
NABU detectives apprehended Halushchenko at the border after receiving information about his attempt to exit Ukraine. Reports indicate that border guards had specific instructions from anti-corruption prosecutors to alert authorities if he tried to cross.
According to media reports, the former minister was removed from a train during his attempt to leave. He was detained under Article 208 of Ukraine’s Criminal Procedure Code, a provision that allows law enforcement officers to take a suspect into custody without a court warrant under specific circumstances. Following his detention, he was reportedly being transported to Kyiv for further questioning and investigative procedures.
While the official NABU statement did not explicitly name Halushchenko, it referred to a “former energy minister” detained in the “Midas” investigation. Ukrainian media and officials, including Member of Parliament Oleksiy Honcharenko, have identified him as the subject of the arrest. Honcharenko indicated that a notice of suspicion regarding criminal conduct has already been issued.
The “Midas” Investigation and Alleged Kickbacks
The charges against Halushchenko stem from a broad investigation into corruption within Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear energy company. Investigators allege that a criminal group devised a kickback scheme to siphon off funds from the energy sector.
The scandal has sparked significant public outrage, particularly because the alleged misappropriation of funds occurred during a period when Ukrainians were enduring frequent power outages caused by Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. NABU investigators claim that Halushchenko gained “personal benefits” from these illicit activities.
During court hearings in November, prosecutors referenced audio recordings obtained by investigators. In these tapes, suspects allegedly discussed dividing illicit profits and referred to a key figure by the nickname “Professor.” Prosecutors believe this alias refers to Halushchenko.
A Wider Network of Suspects
The investigation has implicated several other high-profile figures. NABU has reported that at least eight suspects have been formally charged in connection with the Energoatom corruption case.
In November, anti-corruption authorities conducted searches at properties linked to Halushchenko, who was serving as Justice Minister at the time. Raids also targeted the residence of businessman Timur Mindich, an associate of President Zelenskyy. Reports indicate that Mindich fled the country shortly before search warrants could be executed.
Investigative actions also extended to the highest levels of government. Searches were conducted at the office of Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office. Yermak later resigned from his position as the scandal unfolded.
Political Fallout and EU Aspirations
Halushchenko’s government career saw him hold two major portfolios. He served as Energy Minister from 2021 to 2025 before being appointed Justice Minister in July 2025. However, his tenure in the latter role was short-lived.
He resigned on November 19, shortly after President Zelenskyy publicly urged him to step down amidst the growing scandal. His resignation was subsequently approved by Ukraine’s parliament.
The crackdown comes as Ukraine continues its push for membership in the European Union. The EU has repeatedly emphasized that rigorous anti-corruption efforts are a crucial condition for Kyiv’s accession. This high-level arrest signals a potential intensification of efforts to root out graft within the country’s political elite.
