German Galushchenko

Anti-corruption investigators detained Galushchenko on 15 February 2026 as he attempted to cross the Ukrainian border. The detention took place as part of Operation Midas.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Accused

NABU and SAPO formally notified Galushchenko of suspicions of money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation. Prosecutors alleged that proceeds from Energoatom's commission scheme had been laundered through offshore structures and that at least $7 million had benefited his family, particularly through expenditure abroad.

Attribution

Accused

NABU and SAPO opened a separate investigation into the origin of the 150 million hryvnias used for Galushchenko's bail. Investigators alleged that a group had converted cash of criminal origin into bank funds intended for the payment.

State of the evidence

Allegations

During his term, anti-corruption NGOs, industry representatives and international partners repeatedly criticised the ministry's influence over appointments and the governance of strategic companies, particularly in nuclear power and the electricity grid.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Galushchenko supported the acquisition of two VVER reactors from Bulgaria for Khmelnytskyi. The project, valued at several hundred million dollars, was challenged by MPs, specialists and anti-corruption organisations over its price, transparency and the wisdom of investing in equipment originally designed in Russia.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The anti-corruption operation known as Midas uncovered an alleged system of commissions of 10 to 15% imposed on Energoatom suppliers. Analyses of recordings attributed to the investigation portrayed Galushchenko, the former Energy Minister, as an official whose influence allegedly facilitated control over financial flows and access to the sector.

State of the evidence

Allegations

After leaving the Energy Ministry to become Justice Minister in 2025, Galushchenko was suspended and subsequently left the government as the Midas investigation expanded into his former sector and his name appeared in the case.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Deputy Energy Minister Oleksandr Kheilo was arrested in a case in which anti-corruption authorities alleged a $500,000 bribe to facilitate the transfer of state-owned mining equipment. Galushchenko called for his dismissal.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

Ukrenergo chief executive Volodymyr Kudrytskyi was dismissed following a high-level meeting attended by Galushchenko. Western partners had warned that his removal could weaken grid governance; two independent board members subsequently resigned, describing the decision as politically motivated.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Galushchenko's appointment as Energy Minister followed several years in the public nuclear sector. Observers pointed to officials in his professional circle who had worked with former MP Andriy Derkach, who was subsequently sanctioned by the United States and became a Russian senator.

State of the evidence

Documented