Herman Halushchenko

Herman Halushchenko served as Ukraine's energy minister (2021–2025) and justice minister (2025). He is currently the subject of a major corruption investigation known as Operation Midas. On February 15, 2026, Halushchenko was detained at the border while attempting to leave Ukraine. He was served a notice of suspicion for participation in a criminal organization (Article 255.2) and money laundering (Article 209.3). Investigators allege that during his tenure, a criminal group laundered over $112 million in energy sector kickbacks. Prosecutors claim $7.4 million was transferred to family-controlled accounts, while additional funds were moved via cryptocurrency and cash to offshore structures. Previously, in November 2025, Halushchenko was suspended and forced to resign as justice minister following searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) related to a scheme at the state nuclear firm Energoatom. NABU audio recordings allegedly feature him under code names "Professor" or "Sigismund" while associates discussed distributing kickbacks. Other controversies include: - Allegations of "manual control" over the energy sector by installing loyalists and blocking independent supervisory boards. - Criticism for failing to fortify energy infrastructure against Russian strikes and denying reports of a nuclear plant accident. - Prior to these charges, he faced scrutiny regarding his professional ties to oligarch Andrii Derkach. Halushchenko has denied wrongdoing and stated he would defend himself legally. He has not publicly commented on the specific charges filed in February 2026. The High Anti-Corruption Court has moved to arrest him, with bail set at 200 million UAH.