The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has ordered Ihor Myroniuk, a former adviser to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, to be held in custody for 60 days or released on bail of Hr.126 million ($3 million) amid an ongoing corruption investigation into Energoatom, the state nuclear power company.
Myroniuk is one of the main suspects in Operation Midas, a sweeping probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).
Investigators allege he helped run a large-scale kickback scheme inside Energoatom, overseeing procurement and staffing decisions together with former company executive Dmytro Basov and a former prosecutor.
Prosecutors said Myroniuk posed a flight risk, noting that his wife holds a bank account in Slovakia and that he allegedly discussed leaving Ukraine. During a search, he reportedly tried to destroy documents and throw his phone out a window.
His defense argued that he was not a state official and only provided consulting services. Lawyers also cited health concerns to oppose detention.
Government Overhaul After NABU Exposé
The detention comes as the government overhauls Energoatom following revelations of widespread corruption. Earlier this week, NABU and SAP said top company officials demanded illicit commissions of 10-15% from contractors.
According to investigators, an organized criminal group laundered the funds through an office in central Kyiv linked to the family of former lawmaker and suspected traitor Andriy Derkach. Among those named in the case was then-Energy Minister and later Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko.
In response, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed Energoatom’s supervisory board, while First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced Halushchenko’s suspension.
Officials said rapid action is vital to maintain internal stability and meet commitments to the IMF, World Bank, and European Union.
Zelensky Backs Crackdown
Despite personal ties to some of the accused, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed strong support for NABU’s investigation, saying that “the inevitability of punishment” is essential.
Auditors are now conducting a full review of Energoatom’s operations, with results due within 90 days.