Anti-Corruption Council Urges Removal of Umerov Over Alleged Links to Sanctioned Businessman

A public anti-corruption body under Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has called for the removal of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, citing alleged links to a sanctioned businessman and a defense supplier.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 30, the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense said it had reviewed materials suggesting connections between Umerov, businessman Tymur Mindich, and the defense technology company, Fire Point.

The council said available information indicates that Mindich may be a beneficiary of the company, though this has not been legally confirmed. If proven in court, Fire Point could lose the ability to supply products to Ukraine’s Defense Forces due to sanctions restrictions, it added.

The body also alleged that the company may have provided false information about its ownership structure and has called for further investigation.

It urged authorities to suspend Umerov from his position pending clarification of the allegations.

The council further called for a review of Fire Point’s contracts and suggested the possibility of partial nationalization to ensure the continued supply of critical equipment without benefiting individuals allegedly involved in corruption.

Freshly released recordings published on Wednesday by Ukrainska Pravda are part of the so-called “Midas” corruption case, which investigators describe as a large-scale money-laundering scheme linked to businessman Mindich and involving state energy company Energoatom. 

Other Topics of Interest

Former Supreme Court Chief Jailed Over Bribery Case Receives Plea Deal, Becomes Key Witness Against Accomplices

The High Anti-Corruption Court has approved a plea deal to the former head of the Supreme Court, Vselovod Kniaziev, who admitted taking a particularly large bribe and agreed to testify against his accomplices. His punishments consist of a five-year prison term, a three-year ban from holding positions in the judicial and law enforcement, confiscation of real estate and savings. He agreed to donate around $1.1 million to the Armed Forces of Ukraine via the “Come Back Alive” charity.

The tapes reportedly capture conversations between Mindich and senior officials, including Umerov, discussing defense procurement and financial arrangements. Investigators estimate the scheme may involve around $100 million in kickbacks, though the case remains under investigation and the claims have not been confirmed in court.