Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been fighting fearlessly in the war against Russia, is now facing serious corruption allegations in the country. Ukrainian investigators have claimed that a criminal organization run by Zelensky’s business partner Timur Mindych has embezzled $100 million from a state-owned nuclear energy company. The scam involves money laundering, fraud and a range of financial crimes.
According to reports, Timur Mindych is the owner of the well-known comedy television studio “Kvartal 95”, founded by him and Volodymyr Zelensky. According to the anti-corruption agency, the scandal stemmed from a scheme involving a nuclear energy company, in which shareholders took 10 to 15 percent bribes from contractors. Timur Mindich reportedly fled the country before the investigation was launched.
The scandal has heated up Ukrainian politics, with opposition parties putting direct pressure on President Zelensky. Ukraine’s main opposition party, European Solidarity, has called for a vote of no confidence in President Zelensky. Two ministers have resigned at Zelensky’s request due to the increased pressure following the scandal.
The prime minister has also been urged to impose immediate sanctions on Zelensky’s business partner, Timur Mindich.
The country’s independent investigative agency, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NACBU), is making new revelations in the case. The bureau’s spies have made videos of the fraud and are releasing information about corruption one after another by posting wiretap recordings online. Although President Zelensky is not directly accused in the case, the name of someone close to him has shocked Ukrainian citizens and is increasing pressure on the president to launch an official investigation.
