The anti-corruption office in Ukraine is investigating a corruption scandal in the energy sector, targeting the Minister of Justice and a former business partner of Volodymyr Zelensky.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) of Ukraine has launched a large-scale investigation in the energy and defense sectors, suspecting illegal commissions, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. Among those targeted are the Minister of Justice, Herman Halushchenko, and Timur Mindici, a former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The searches took place following an extensive operation called Midas, which involved over 70 searches and uncovered a high-level criminal organization.

NABU discovered that Energoatom partners, the company that manages nuclear power plants, were forced to pay illegal commissions to avoid payment blockages. Halushchenko, who previously held the position of Minister of Energy, was searched, and Mindici, who is believed to have left Ukraine, is associated with oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky. This investigation is crucial for Ukraine's efforts to combat corruption, an essential aspect for joining the European Union.