Former Minister Galushchenko Faces Arrest with Bail Set at 425 Million Hryvnias.

Court Hearing in the Case of Herman Galushchenko

According to Novyny.live: A hearing began on February 17 at Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court in Kyiv concerning Herman Galushchenko. The former minister was detained at the border and is now suspected of involvement in 'Operation Midas'. Prosecutors are seeking his arrest, with bail set at 425 million hryvnias (approximately $11.3 million USD).

Herman Galushchenko, a former Minister of Energy and Justice, was detained on February 15. The case against him is part of 'Operation Midas', an investigation launched by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) in November of last year. NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) are jointly investigating the 'Midas' case, which focuses on alleged money laundering within Ukraine's energy sector.

Galushchenko's Connections and Response

Galushchenko has been acquainted with businessman Timur Mindich since 2017-2018. Furthermore, information indicates that Galushchenko's family received over $7.4 million into Swiss bank accounts. In response to his detention, Galushchenko filed a complaint with the High Anti-Corruption Court.

Galushchenko remarked: 'Who was I supposed to appoint? A circus director?'

He also expressed fears regarding the bail amount, stating: 'The size of the bail is a verdict. I will sit in a pre-trial detention center for years because I don't have that kind of money, and neither do the people around me.'

The court hearing will continue, leaving Galushchenko's fate uncertain as the case generates significant public and expert attention. This prosecution is a high-profile test of Ukraine's judicial system, which has been under international pressure to demonstrate results in its anti-corruption fight. Cases involving corruption in Ukraine's energy sector are particularly sensitive, as they can impact public trust in state institutions and the country's stability. The arrest of a former minister underscores the seriousness of high-level corruption allegations.