Tymur Mindich, a once-obscure dealmaker long linked to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s inner circle, has become the central figure in a high-profile corruption scandal involving the state nuclear energy company.

Mindich, 46, was pushed into the spotlight this week after Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies released findings from a 15-month investigation accusing him of orchestrating a $100 million embezzlement and kickback scheme inside Energoatom. He has reportedly fled Ukraine, and any case against him will likely proceed in absentia. Two government ministers resigned following the revelations.

Though rarely spoken of publicly, Mindich had been viewed by activists and officials as a growing shadow power in Ukraine’s energy sector, allegedly enabled by his long-standing personal ties to Zelenskyy. The pair were once business partners in the president’s former production company Kvartal 95, and maintained close relations even after Zelenskyy entered politics.

Investigators say intercepted phone conversations show Mindich exerting strong influence over former Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko, who later became justice minister before resigning this week. The probe alleges Mindich coordinated a network that pressured Energoatom contractors for kickbacks of up to 15%, with illicit funds laundered through shell companies.

Mindich expanded his business holdings significantly after Zelenskyy’s 2019 election victory and was frequently linked to companies once associated with oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky. Anti-corruption activists argue Mindich’s rise would not have been possible without his privileged access to the presidency, particularly during wartime when Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is under strain.

NABU, the country’s anti-corruption bureau, is also investigating Mindich’s alleged ties to Fire Point, a top Ukrainian drone manufacturer. The company denies involvement, and findings from that probe have not yet been released.