Zelenskyy ally arrested trying to flee Ukraine as massive corruption probe deepens

Ukraine's former Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, was arrested on February 15, 2026, by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) while attempting to cross the country's border. Galushchenko, who resigned in November 2025, is implicated in the "Midas" case, an alleged $100 million money-laundering scheme within the energy sector. The scheme was allegedly orchestrated by businessman Timur Mindich, with Galushchenko accused of assisting in managing illicit financial flows. Investigators believe contractors working with Energoatom were forced to pay bribes to avoid contract loss or payment delays. The scandal has previously led to the resignation of two other energy ministers and Zelenskyy's chief of staff.

Former Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko was detained while attempting to leave Ukraine by train. Galushchenko, who was ousted from his position last year, was implicated in a $100 million embezzlement scheme. The detention was carried out by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu) as part of Operation Midas, an anti-corruption probe investigating embezzlement in the energy sector. Galushchenko is accused of collecting kickbacks from the national nuclear operator Energoatom. The scandal has increased pressure from the US to hold elections, which have been suspended since the start of the war. He is being transported to Kyiv for further questioning.

Ukraine's former energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, was detained Sunday while allegedly attempting to flee the country by train. The arrest, confirmed by a source to Fox News Digital, was prompted by requests from Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, as part of a deepening investigation into corruption. Halushchenko's attempted departure suggests a potential loss of control for President Zelenskyy, according to the source. NABU's statement connects the arrest to "Operation Midas," a probe into a $100 million embezzlement scheme within the state-owned nuclear energy company, Energoatom. The investigation alleges funds intended for critical infrastructure were diverted through contract kickbacks. The corruption scandal has also led to changes in border operations leadership, including the dismissal of the border head in January.