Haluschenko was key element of money laundering scheme uncovered during Operation Midas – NABU
Former Minister of Energy (2021-2025) and Justice (2025) of Ukraine, who was notified of suspicion on February 16 for participation in a criminal organization and money laundering, was a key element of this scheme, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has stated.
"This involves kickbacks that contractors of state-owned Energoatom had to pay in order to be settled for completed contracts. This scheme was named ‘Barrier’ (Shlahbaum), and the ex-minister was a key element in it. Currently, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has chosen a preventive measure for him in the form of detention with the alternative of bail in the amount of UAH 200 million," NABU reported on its Telegram channel on Thursday.
NABU did not name the official, but the respective positions during the specified periods were held by Herman Haluschenko, who was detained on February 15 and arrested with a bail alternative on February 17.
On February 16, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) notified him of suspicion in the "Midas" case. According to anti-corruption authorities, the criminal organization received over $112 million through a trusted associate of the ex-minister.
As reported, on February 15, NABU detectives detained Haluschenko while he was attempting to leave the territory of Ukraine. He was notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 255 and Part 3 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
On February 17, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) ordered a preventive measure in the form of detention with the alternative of bail in the amount of UAH 200 million, although the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office had requested a bail alternative of UAH 425 million. During the court session, Haluschenko stated that he could find UAH 20-30 million for bail as an alternative to arrest.
The investigation is ongoing. Within the framework of the probe into these facts, NABU is cooperating with 15 countries.
