Leaked wiretaps from Ukraine’s “Midas” probe reveal explosive conversations, elite connections, and luxury assets now under investigation – raising new political questions.
Fresh leaks tied to Ukraine’s anti-corruption probe known as Operation “Midas” are intensifying scrutiny around high-level Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s political and business networks, according to a video report by Ukrainska Pravda.
The outlet says it has obtained portions of wiretap transcripts involving key suspects, including businessman Timur Mindich, a co-founder of the entertainment studio Kvartal 95. The materials, reportedly already included in court filings, are now surfacing publicly as extradition efforts expand.
Investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach noted that Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have formally sent case materials to Israel as part of requests to extradite Timur Mindich and businessman Oleksandr Tsukerman. The circulation of these documents, he suggested, may explain the growing number of leaks.
Conversations and coded references
One published transcript reportedly captures a conversation between Mindich and Serhiy Shefir, a longtime associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former first assistant. The discussion references an individual identified as “Lyosha,” believed to be Oleksii Chernyshov, Ukraine’s former deputy prime minister.
According to the report, the conversation includes discussions about raising funds—both “officially” and “unofficially”—as well as potential restructuring within a ministry. Around that same time, Chernyshov became the subject of a criminal investigation and was later released on bail set at 51 million hryvnias, paid shortly after the ruling.
Other excerpts mention concerns tied to a high-profile birthday celebration at a restaurant, allegedly involving former MP Yurii Aristov, who previously resigned after a scandal involving travel abroad during wartime.
The transcripts also include references to consultations regarding bail with “Smirnov,” believed to be Andrii Smyrnov, a former deputy head of the Presidential Office facing allegations of illicit enrichment. Additional figures mentioned include “Oleg,” likely Oleh Tatarov, and “Vova,” widely interpreted as a reference to President Zelenskyy.
In one excerpt attributed to Mindich, the speaker describes a conversation with “Vova” (President Volodymyr Zelenskyy) shortly before the Jewish Sabbath, characterizing the situation in blunt terms.
Luxury developments under investigation
A separate set of transcripts reportedly details discussions between Mindich and a construction manager named Natalia regarding the suspension of building works.
These conversations are linked to a broader investigation by journalists at Bihus.Info, who previously reported on the construction of four luxury homes in Kozyn, near Kyiv, during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The development, referred to as “Dynasty,” has been described by Ukrainska Pravda as potentially tied to high-profile figures, including President Zelenskyy, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, Chernyshov, and Mindich.
According to the transcripts, construction details include completed interior facades for one property associated with “Andriy,” (Andriy Yermak) as well as a fence reportedly separating properties linked to Mindich and “Vova.” (Volodymyr Zelenskyy). The name Maksym Donets, head of the president’s personal security, is also mentioned in connection with a planned visit.
Following media exposure, NABU and SAPO reportedly opened a criminal case, and the properties in question have since been placed under arrest.
Firepoint real owner discussion with the Minister of Defense Umerov
In the final portion of the leaked materials, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda, an additional conversation is described between Mindich and former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
According to the report, this exchange allegedly touches on issues related to the defense sector, including references to the company Fire Point, previously linked in media investigations to large-scale state contracts. The discussion is said to include mentions of procurement processes, potential corruption agreements, and production-related matters involving long-range strike capabilities, including missile systems.
While the full context of the conversation has not been officially confirmed, the inclusion of defense procurement topics adds a new layer of sensitivity to the case, given Ukraine’s ongoing wartime reliance on military production and international support.
Official response
Law enforcement agencies have not issued detailed public statements regarding the leaked materials. NABU Director Semen Kryvonos offered a brief comment, stating that investigators are working to determine ownership of the properties, trace financial flows, and establish the origin of funds.
As the investigation continues, the emergence of wiretap transcripts adds a new layer of political sensitivity to one of Ukraine’s most closely watched anti-corruption cases during wartime.
Follow the Mindich Case investigation timeline
Tags: breaking news corruption europe featured-1 investigation leaks mindich case nabu Politics ukraine war Zelensky
