NABU Conducts Searches at Homes of Businessman Mindich and Justice Minister Galushchenko

On November 10, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) initiated a series of investigative actions targeting prominent figures in Ukraine, including businessman Timur Mindich and Justice Minister Herman Galushchenko. The operations began early in the morning in Kyiv, where NABU agents conducted searches at Mindich"s residence. However, reports indicate that Mindich fled to Israel just hours before the searches commenced.

Key Details

Timur Mindich is recognized as one of President Volodymyr Zelensky"s closest associates and has been implicated in serious allegations of embezzlement. Investigators allege that Mindich misappropriated funds from European and American sources that were intended for the procurement of drones through his company, FirePoint, which is noted as the largest contractor for drones in Ukraine. This embezzlement is particularly concerning given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where the military is experiencing significant shortages of essential supplies, including ammunition and vehicles.

In addition to his involvement in defense contracts, Mindich has also been linked to schemes within the energy market. Investigators have reportedly wiretapped his apartment and may have recorded conversations involving high-ranking officials, including President Zelensky himself. This raises questions about the extent of corruption within the Ukrainian government and its impact on the country"s defense capabilities.

Simultaneously, NABU agents executed searches at the home of Justice Minister Herman Galushchenko, who previously served as the Minister of Energy. His involvement in these investigations suggests a broader pattern of corruption that may extend into the highest levels of government.

Two individuals closely associated with Mindich, Mikhail and Alexander Tsukerman, described as his “financial operators,” also reportedly fled Ukraine to Israel just before the searches took place. They are implicated in a money laundering investigation led by the FBI, indicating a potential transnational scheme involving Ukrainian officials and businesses.

The investigations have revealed that funds from multiple international sources—including those from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, and Japan—were allegedly misappropriated. These funds were earmarked for the Ukrainian military, which is currently facing critical shortages in various areas, including equipment and supplies.

During the raids conducted by NABU, investigators uncovered numerous duffel bags filled with cash, containing substantial amounts in U.S. dollars, euros, and Ukrainian hryvnias. The discovery of such large sums of cash raises further questions about the financial dealings of those involved and the potential for widespread corruption within the defense procurement process.

Background

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine was established to combat corruption within the country, particularly in the wake of the 2014 Euromaidan protests that led to significant political changes. The bureau has been involved in numerous high-profile investigations aimed at rooting out corruption among government officials and private enterprises. The current investigation into Mindich and Galushchenko underscores the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in addressing corruption, particularly in sectors critical to national security.

What"s Next

The implications of these investigations are significant, as they may lead to further scrutiny of government contracts and procurement processes in Ukraine. With the military"s ongoing needs for support in the conflict with Russia, ensuring that funds are used appropriately is crucial. The involvement of international agencies, such as the FBI, suggests that this case may have wider ramifications, potentially affecting Ukraine"s relationships with its allies and international partners.

As previously reported, the situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected as NABU continues its investigations into the alleged corruption involving high-ranking officials and their associates.