The investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) into Volodymyr Zelensky’s close associate, Timur Midic, over a $100 million corruption case in the energy sector, is causing a stir in Ukraine. The issue has also sparked a backlash from the opposition, with Petro Poroshenko’s party even calling for the government to resign.

NABU carried out a series of raids on the home and offices of Midic, a former business partner of Volodymyr Zelensky. However, he fled the country shortly before the searches took place on 10 November.

The case already implicates seven people and involves the state-owned nuclear power company Energoatom, which is allegedly involved in a 10–15% kickback scheme run by contractors.

Second Time Zelensky Is Politically Implicated in Corruption Cases

This marks the second time Zelensky has been politically implicated in corruption scandals. Midic is co-owner of Kvartal 95, the production company Zelensky founded when he was a popular comedian, and remains under investigation for his role in state energy contracts and drone production companies.

Since Zelensky’s rise to power, Midic has reportedly gained influence in the energy and defense sectors, with Ukrainian media describing him as a de facto oligarch with major business interests in defense and energy.

Earlier in 2025, Zelensky had attempted to bring NABU under his direct control through legislation. However, he was forced to back down after the first anti-government protests since the start of the war with Russia erupted. At that time, NABU was reportedly investigating individuals within the president’s inner circle for corruption.

Kvartal 95 Connection

Zelensky and Midic are linked through Kvartal 95, which Zelensky founded. Midic, a wealthy businessman, maintained close ties with the Ukrainian president. Zelensky’s entourage also includes friends and former colleagues from Kvartal 95, such as the head of his office and the so-called “grey cardinal” of Ukrainian politics, Oleksii Termec.

Photos of $100 bills found in Midic’s lavishly decorated home have come to light, along with reports of “golden baths.”

The Kickback Scheme

NABU alleges that a group of unelected officials took control of state-owned energy companies and set up a $100 million kickback scheme involving Energoatom, which accounts for more than half of Ukraine’s electricity production.

According to the agency, a “high-level criminal organization” orchestrated the scheme, led by a businessman and involving a former adviser to the energy minister, Energoatom’s head of security, and four other officials. The group allegedly laundered $100 million through various channels.

The network is believed to have solicited 10–15% kickbacks from company contractors. Before the 70 raids, NABU had conducted a 15-month investigation and gathered over 1,000 hours of recordings. The tapes reportedly refer to individuals under the pseudonyms “Roket,” “Tenor,” “Professor,” and the leader “Karlson,” allegedly Midic himself.

In his evening address, Zelensky distanced himself from Midic and the other suspects, praising the Bureau’s work but avoiding names: “Any effective action against corruption is absolutely essential. Inevitable punishment is necessary,” he said, adding, “Officials must fully cooperate with the authorities, and there must be convictions.”

The Widening Investigation

NABU confirmed that it is conducting a “major anti-corruption operation” in cooperation with the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). According to its statement, the activities of a “high-level criminal organization” that had taken control of several state-owned enterprises, including Energoatom, have been documented.

The recordings reportedly reveal conversations about manipulating tenders, collecting bribes, and delaying projects to increase profits. In one of them, a participant calls anti-drone projects to protect energy infrastructure “a waste of money.”

Political Turbulence

The case has caused a political earthquake in Kyiv. Among those investigated is Justice Minister Herman Khalushenko, who served as energy minister from 2021 to 2025.

Zelensky’s political allies have portrayed the case as a test of Ukraine’s anti-corruption credibility as Kyiv seeks to maintain international support amid its war with Russia.

However, there is strong public backlash. MP Yaroslav Zeleznyak claimed that NABU agents found a “golden toilet” and “golden bidet” at one of Midic’s residences in Kyiv, turning the scandal into a viral online topic.

The opposition has called for changes in government, with Poroshenko’s party demanding the resignation of ministers linked to the energy sector, saying the scandal “shows a failure of political control.” Other parties are calling for NABU’s independence to be strengthened, while MPs are urging that all case materials be made public.

Analysts say the Midic case could become a turning point for Zelensky, whose image as an “anti-corruption leader” was crucial to his 2019 election victory but has since begun to erode as the war blurs the lines between politics and business.