Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Zelensky Freezes Assets of Ally Accused in €86 Million Energoatom Graft Case

The decree targets businessman Timour Minditch, whom anti-corruption investigators accuse of running a kickback scheme siphoning funds from the state nuclear operator.

Overview

  • Ukraine issued sanctions by presidential decree against Timour Minditch and another businessman, including a freeze of their assets.
  • NABU attributes roughly €86 million in diverted funds to a scheme that imposed 10–15% kickbacks on Energoatom contracts, used shadow managers, and laundered money through foreign firms.
  • Minditch, a co-owner of Kvartal 95 with past personal ties to Volodymyr Zelensky, left Ukraine before the case surfaced and remains untraceable, with media reporting a likely move to Israel.
  • Energy Minister Svitlana Gryntchouk and Justice Minister Guerman Galouchtchenko resigned at Zelensky’s request following the revelations, with a parliamentary vote on their dismissals expected soon.
  • International partners are pressing for robust action as the EU has not issued an official response, Germany urged forceful anti-corruption efforts in a call with Zelensky, the IMF stressed reform conditions, and Hungary’s Viktor Orban posted sharp criticism.