On 15/2, investigators from Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) arrested a former energy minister as he was leaving the national border, as part of the Midas case. NABU stated, "We are continuing the investigation according to legal regulations."

NABU stated it would release more details later and did not disclose the identity of the arrested individual. According to Kiev Post and Russian news agency TASS, the arrested person is Herman Halushchenko, who served as Ukraine's energy minister from 2021 until his resignation in 11/2025.

Ukrainian border guards reportedly apprehended Halushchenko while he was traveling abroad by train. He has the right to leave Ukraine to visit his three children living in Switzerland.

Former Ukrainian energy minister Herman Halushchenko. *Photo: Kiev Post*

Operation Midas exposed a 100 million USD corruption network in the energy sector, leading to investigations into numerous high-ranking officials and businesspeople, and shaking Ukraine's political landscape in 11/2025.

Two Ukrainian energy ministers resigned, and President Zelensky's chief of staff lost his position, despite their denials of involvement in corrupt activities.

The fight against corruption is one of Ukraine's priorities for joining the European Union. The EU requires Ukraine to eradicate decades-long corruption.

Beyond Operation Midas, in recent weeks, NABU investigators have brought election fraud charges against several lawmakers, former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and a former presidential advisor.

Hong Hanh (According to Reuters, Kiev Post)