Corruption at Energoatom: HACCU makes a new decision
27 December 2025 00:24
The High Anti-Corruption Court has decided to extend the pre-trial investigation in the high-profile criminal proceedings regarding possible corruption schemes at NNEGC Energoatom. The investigation will last at least until August 10, 2026. This was reported by the court’s press service, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Why the investigation was extended
The HACC explained that the decision was due to the complexity of the proceedings, a significant number of episodes and the need to conduct a large amount of investigative and procedural actions. The case involves a number of individuals, including internationally wanted businessmen, as well as former and current high-ranking officials.
The investigation believes that for a long time, an organized criminal group had been operating at Energoatom, which influenced public procurement at the strategic enterprise.
What is the essence of the case
According to the NABU and the SAPO, the defendants in the proceedings allegedly built a multi-level system of control over Energoatom’s tenders. Inside law enforcement agencies, this scheme was codenamed “Barrier”.
The investigation indicates that the mechanism included:
- systematic receipt of illegal remuneration from contractors in the amount of 10-15% of the contract amount;
- blocking payments to companies that refused to pay kickbacks;
- withdrawal of funds in cash through a network of shell companies, including abroad.
Who is involved in the proceedings
According to the case file, the participants used pseudonyms for conspiracy, which are recorded in the audio materials of the investigation. Among them:
- Oleksiy Chernyshov, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Community Development (referred to in the investigation materials as “Che Guevara”). He is accused of receiving large sums of cash. Earlier, he was released on bail in another criminal proceeding, and now he is also involved in a case of possible illicit enrichment.
- Timur Mindich is a businessman whom the investigation considers to be one of the key members of the group. A special pre-trial investigation has been authorized in relation to him in connection with his stay outside Ukraine.
- Oleksandr Zukerman is a businessman who is accused of participating in financial support and money laundering.
- Ihor Myroniuk – former advisor to the Minister of Energy, who was chosen a measure of restraint in the form of detention.
What’s next
The HACC has already authorized the pre-trial investigation in absentia in respect of certain defendants who have left the territory of Ukraine. At the same time, the court continues to extend procedural obligations for other suspects.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already responded to the exposure of this network by initiating a full audit of the financial activities of energy state-owned companies and updating their management.
The extension of the investigation until the summer of 2026 will allow detectives to complete the collection of evidence and prepare materials for the case to be brought to court.
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