Ukraine corruption scandal expands to presidential office

A major corruption investigation in Ukraine, centered on the state nuclear company Energoatom, continues to expand, implicating high-ranking officials close to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The probe, initiated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) in the summer of 2024, involves allegations of bribery, embezzlement, and money laundering totaling approximately $100 million.

The scandal has already led to the resignation of Andriy Yermak, one of the most powerful figures in the presidential office. Other key figures caught in the investigation include former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and former Minister of Justice and Energy Herman Halushchenko. Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky, reportedly fled the country following the investigation.

A new phase of the case, referred to as ‘Operation Forrest Gump,’ emerged in August 2026. NABU has charged Iryna Mudra, a deputy head of the presidential office, with laundering approximately 150 million hryvnias. Investigators allege these funds were used to pay the bail for Halushchenko, an act that may have been intended to ensure his loyalty and prevent him from cooperating with authorities.