Former Ukrainian Energy Minister Guerman Galouchtchenko, who resigned amid a major corruption scandal last year, was arrested while attempting to flee the country, with NABU and the SAPO coordinating the case.

The Midas operation is a broad probe into corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector, linked to kickbacks and a money-laundering network centered around Energoatom, the state nuclear company.

Halushchenko, identified in investigations and press by outlets but not named in initial NABU communiqués, was detained on a train and transported to Kyiv for questioning as border authorities monitored movements.

NABU says initial investigations are proceeding under the law and with judicial sanctions, promising more details as the case develops.

The authorities have not publicly named the arrested individual in the early statements, with ongoing actions under legal procedures.

Investigations into the Midas network implicate ties to figures close to Zelensky and suggest personal enrichment from the scheme.

The probe has already prompted leadership reshuffles in Ukraine’s government, including changes around the president’s inner circle and key aides.

Public outrage over energy outages amid Russian attacks has intensified scrutiny of corruption amid wartime governance.

The case adds pressure on Ukraine regarding elections, with the political context of stalled processes and international expectations related to reform.

Allegations include misappropriation of funds at Energoatom intended for defense-related energy infrastructure and security measures.

Transcripts reference a figure labeled as “professor,” widely believed to be code for Halushchenko, underscoring the political sensitivity of the case.

Halushchenko’s proximity to Zelenskyy, whether as an unofficial but central aide or ally, complicates optics if corruption is proven.