Operation Midas: NABU, SAPO identify leader of corruption scheme
Detectives from Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have identified the leader of a criminal organization during Operation Midas – a figure known as Carlson.
NABU said this in a Telegram post seen by Ukrinform.
"He controlled the operation of the so-called 'laundry,' where illegally obtained funds were being laundered," the statement said.
From an apartment on the upper floors of a building on Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv, Carlson determined who would receive cash and in what amounts, coordinated transfers, and influenced officials in central government bodies to resolve issues in his own interests – particularly in the energy and defense sectors.
Conversations recorded by detectives show that he directed financial flows, discussed reserving trusted individuals through fictitious employment to prevent their mobilization, issued instructions regarding "security," and demonstrated awareness of potential NABU scrutiny.
On November 10, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced a special operation to uncover corruption in the energy sector. Investigators found that members of a criminal organization had built an extensive scheme to exert influence over strategic state-owned enterprises, including Energoatom.
A source familiar with the investigation said that NABU officers had conducted searches at the premises of businessman and co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio Tymur Mindich, as well as at the residence of Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who previously served as energy minister.
A draft resolution has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada proposing Galushchenko's dismissal from the post of justice minister. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that investigative actions involving Galushchenko were carried out as part of a criminal case.
Energoatom's supervisory board announced that it will convene a special meeting to assess the situation and determine actions regarding corruption allegations related to company employees.
NABU detectives have detained five individuals and served seven with suspicion notices, including the businessman who headed the criminal organization, a former advisor to the energy minister, the executive director for physical protection and security at Energoatom, and four employees of a "back office" involved in money legalization.
Photo: NABU