Close associates of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been implicated in a major corruption scandal, allegedly siphoning tens of millions of euros from critical energy programmes during the ongoing war with Russia.
The 'Golden Toilet' Scandal Unpacked
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is investigating a sprawling €86 million pay-to-play scheme centred on procurement contracts at the state nuclear company, which operates under the energy ministry. The probe, nicknamed the 'golden toilet' scam, involves at least seven suspects, including two figures from President Zelensky's inner circle.
Businessman Tymur Mindich, a co-founder of the Kvartal 95 entertainment company with Zelensky, has been named as a suspect and is accused of being the scheme's ringleader. A former Ukrainian official revealed to Fox News that the probe's colourful nickname was inspired by Mindich's apartment, which was allegedly fitted with golden toilets.
Mindich, who is understood to have fled Ukraine for Poland last week, shared a well-documented close friendship with the president. Zelensky used Mindich's armoured car during his 2019 presidential campaign and celebrated his birthday at the businessman's apartment in 2021. The two also own properties in the same building.
Key Figures and Political Connections
A second figure, Oleksiy Chernyshov The scandal also touches upon the controversial oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky, a former business associate of Mindich who initially backed Zelensky's presidential bid. The president later severed ties with the billionaire, who was arrested in 2023 on separate fraud and money-laundering charges. The allegations have sparked widespread public fury as Ukraine approaches its fourth winter at war. Most citizens endure daily power cuts caused by Russian bombardment of the energy grid, making the misappropriation of funds intended for energy programmes particularly egregious. While President Zelensky has not been named in the probe or accused of any wrongdoing, rumours are circulating in Ukraine's parliament that he may have been involved or benefited from the scheme. The president has publicly supported the work of anti-corruption agencies and has sanctioned Mindich. In a post on X last Saturday, Zelensky announced that the leadership of state-owned companies would be renewed and their finances audited. This comes as Ukraine, which has received tens of billions in international aid since the 2022 invasion, faces intense pressure from allies and the European Union to tackle its deep-rooted corruption problems. Earlier this year, Zelensky attempted to curb some powers of the NABU anti-corruption body but reversed course following a significant public and international outcry. He maintained the changes were for government efficiency, while opponents argued it was an effort to shield associates from investigation.Wartime Consequences and International Pressure
