German Galushchenko

German Galushchenko, former Ukrainian Minister of Energy (2021–2025) and Minister of Justice (2025), is currently detained following his arrest on February 15, 2026, while attempting to leave the country by train. He faces charges of money laundering and participation in a criminal organization related to Operation Midas, a massive $100 million corruption probe involving the state-owned nuclear energy company, Energoatom. Investigators allege Galushchenko and others orchestrated a scheme collecting 10 to 15 percent kickbacks from Energoatom contractors. Authorities claim over $112 million was siphoned from the energy sector, with approximately $7 million to $12 million laundered through an offshore investment fund linked to his ex-wife and children. Funds were reportedly used for elite Swiss education and personal expenses. Galushchenko was suspended in November 2025 and subsequently resigned. In February 2026, the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine ordered him held in custody for 60 days with bail set at 200 million UAH. He has previously denied wrongdoing. Earlier in his career, he faced accusations of non-transparent personnel appointments and allowing oligarchs to purchase electricity at reduced prices, and his deputy was arrested in 2024 for a $500,000 bribery scheme.