The European Commission called for protecting Ukraine’s independent anti-corruption bodies amid the “Forrest Gump” investigation into alleged money laundering, illegal property seizures and corruption.
They called for the protection of Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure, which is a cornerstone of the rule of law in the country. This was reported by ZN.ua.
The European Commission is aware of the anti-corruption “Forrest Gump” operation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), European Pravda reports quoting a spokesperson for the institution. The spokesperson recalled that fighting corruption is a central element for countries seeking to join the European Union.
“As you know, we do not comment on individual cases. Let us be clear: the EU has a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption,” the European Commission spokesperson said. “We reiterate that the fight against corruption is a central element for any country aspiring to join the European Union.”
He continued that this fight requires sustained efforts to ensure effective prevention, as well as the investigation, prosecution and enforcement of the rule of law in cases involving corruption and money laundering. Anti-corruption infrastructure plays an important role in this process.
“The role of independent anti-corruption bodies, which are cornerstones of the rule of law in Ukraine as a future EU member state, must be protected,” the European Commission stressed.
It will be recalled that several days ago, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) announced a number of charges as part of the “Forrest Gump” anti-corruption investigation. The investigation established that members of a criminal organization, including former lawmaker and property developer Maksym Mykytas, former Opposition Platform – For Life lawmaker Vadym Stolar, and former Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Mudra, facilitated the legalization of UAH 150 million obtained through criminal activity, which was subsequently used to pay bail for one of the suspects in the “Midas” case. Preliminary reports indicate that this was former Energy and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko. The scheme also involved companies under their control and the management of state-owned Sense Bank.
The investigation also alleges that the suspects in “Forrest Gump” illegally seized valuable real estate in Kyiv by falsifying documents, including court rulings and ownership records. The value of the assets belonging to the companies they allegedly took control of in autumn 2025 exceeds UAH 248 million.
