Anti-Corruption Court in absentia selected a preventive measure against the suspect in the “Energoatom” corruption case, Timur Mindich
The Higher Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine made a decision to hold businessman Timur Mindich, suspected of corrupt activities, in custody without his participation in the proceedings. Mindich, believed to be involved in the scheme at the state enterprise “Energoatom” as part of operation “Midas,” left the country before receiving the suspicion notice.
The case was reviewed in absentia since Mindich left Ukraine and his whereabouts are unknown. The state failed to contact the suspect, so he was appointed a state attorney. No bail was set as an alternative to detention, which is consistent with the conditions of the in absentia court process.
The court session lasted 15 minutes behind closed doors due to the consideration of evidence that could threaten national security. Prosecutors indicated that after choosing the preventive measure, Mindich could be placed on an international wanted list through Interpol. Regarding clarifications on the possible whereabouts of the suspect in Israel, the prosecutor noted that it depends on the country’s cooperation with Interpol.
Other participants in the session confirmed that Mindich was in contact with another suspect in the case, Oleksandr Tsukerman, using special means to muffle the sound during conversations.
Timur Mindich, co-founder of “Kvartal 95” and former business partner of President Zelensky, is suspected of exerting pressure on former Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov regarding the purchase of substandard bulletproof vests. Umerov, who is currently the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, rejected these accusations and provided testimony to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.
At the end of November, another figure in the case, Oleksandr Fursenko, was released from custody on bail in the amount of 95 million hryvnias. He is also mentioned in the investigation as a person who complained about the transfer of 1.6 million dollars. The decision of the Anti-Corruption Court may have serious consequences for the investigation of corrupt activities at “Energoatom” and also strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and Interpol.
| Suspect | Preventive Measure | Case Context |
|---|---|---|
| Timur Mindich | Custody | Corruption at “Energoatom”, “Midas” scheme |
| Oleksandr Fursenko | Bail 95 million UAH | Wiretapping in the “Mindich tapes” case |
