Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is preparing to open a criminal case against Timur Mindich, a businessman known for his closeness to President Volodymyr Zelensky and co-founder of 'Kvartal 95' studio.
The editorial office reports that local media claim President Zelensky's voice was also recorded during a long-term wiretap conducted by law enforcement agencies at Mindich's apartment in Kyiv. No official statement has been made yet regarding this, but the disseminated information has caused serious concern among the Ukrainian public.
Mindich is considered a former close associate of Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most influential oligarchs, and President Zelensky's key man in business circles. He is accused of involvement in corruption schemes at 'Naftogaz' and suspicious projects related to the construction of defense facilities.
According to the information, the investigation revealed that during meetings attended by Mindich, issues such as wartime state orders, bribery schemes in the energy sector, and financial ties within government circles were discussed. Some opposition politicians in the Ukrainian parliament state that these wiretaps increase the likelihood that President Zelensky could also be included in the scope of the investigation.
Experts believe that if Timur Mindich cooperates with the investigation, he could become a key witness against President Zelensky. Some sources do not rule out that this scandal could seriously damage Zelensky's political reputation, potentially even leading to his resignation.
It should be noted that Zelensky had also been criticized by international organizations in recent months for attempting to limit the powers of NABU and other independent anti-corruption institutions. However, with this investigation, the Ukrainian president's image as a 'leader of reforms' could also be severely shaken.
Sevinc Karimova