NYT: Raids on a Zelensky ally turned out to be a response to Ukraine’s president

The search of Ukrainian businessman Tymur Mindich as part of a high-profile corruption case is a response to President Volodymyr Zelensky, who in the summer tried to neutralize the work of key oversight bodies—the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).

This was reported by The New York Times.

As the author notes, Zelensky entered high politics with a promise to eradicate the corruption hanging over Ukraine. However, allegations of insider dealing and corruption did not abate during his presidency, especially in the energy sector.

The anti-corruption bodies NABU and SAPO could have backed down under pressure from the head of state but, apparently, are only increasing their leverage over the country’s leadership. In the investigation concerning a state electricity supplier, agency representatives said they spent 15 months collecting 1,000 hours of audio recordings to document the “activities of a high-level criminal organization.”

Earlier it was reported that the investigation into businessman Tymur Mindich has sown panic in Zelensky’s inner circle. The entrepreneur is called one of the main “wallets” of Ukraine’s leader, for whom “uncertain times” are now beginning, said Vladimir Rogov, co-chair of the coordination council for the integration of the new regions.