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Zelensky Freezes Assets of Alleged Energoatom Kickback Ringleader

International lenders are pressing for decisive anti-corruption steps during an active hunt for a suspect linked to the president’s circle.

Overview

  • By presidential decree, assets of Timour Minditch and another businessman were frozen after investigators alleged a $100 million diversion from the state nuclear operator.
  • Operation Midas by NABU and SAPO detailed systematic 10–15% kickbacks, a parallel chain of “shadow managers,” and cross‑border laundering uncovered through about 70 searches.
  • Five suspects have been detained so far, including a former energy ministry adviser and an Energoatom official, with criminal probes continuing.
  • The energy and justice ministers resigned at President Zelensky’s request, and lawmakers are expected to vote on their dismissals on Friday, according to deputies.
  • Germany urged a forceful anti-corruption drive and the IMF emphasized reforms as central to donor support, while the European Union has not issued a formal response.