“Mindich Tapes”: recordings of conversations about bail for Chernyshov, elite estates, and schemes in the Ministry of Defence released

“Mindich Tapes”: recordings of conversations about bail for Chernyshov, elite estates, and schemes in the Ministry of Defence released

In July last year, the media  first reported that NABU and SAPO were wiretapping the apartment of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s friend and co-owner of the "Kvartal–95" studio, Tymur Mindich.

At that time, many treated this information skeptically. However, already in November, during the "Midas" operation, anti-corruption agencies published initial excerpts from the "Mindich tapes." Then it became clear that the wiretapping of the apartment at Hrushevskoho, 9-a did take place, and a whole series of high-ranking officials appeared on the recordings.

Currently, the list of suspects in embezzlement in the energy sector is limited to former Energy Minister and former Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko. And in the office of former Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, law enforcement officers conducted several searches.

We will not make loud promises, realizing how long Ukrainian society has been waiting for details of this unique case. And also for answers to key questions: how could this have happened and what lessons has the government learned to prevent "turnstiles", abuse of power, and corruption. Corruption at the highest level.

We have managed to find out that the relevant materials, including significant fragments of recordings of the captured conversations, have long been included in the procedural documents transferred to the defence parties.

In addition, two weeks ago, NABU and SAPO, through the Office of the Prosecutor General, sent more than 10 volumes of criminal case materials to Israel for the extradition of Tymur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman.

Therefore, the circle of persons who have access to the investigation materials has grown so much that recently individual fragments began to "leak" online. This "leak" was aimed at discrediting NABU and SAPO, which are the ones who recorded these fragments as part of the largest anti-corruption operation in Ukraine’s history.

"Ukrainska Pravda" is publishing the first part of the "Mindich tapes."

Journalist Mykhailo Tkach has released three audio recordings mentioning participants in the "Mindichgate" scandal. If these recordings are officially confirmed, this is one of the most resonant corruption scandals in recent years.

1. Bail for Chernyshov
One recording allegedly features Tymur Mindich and Serhiy Shefir discussing how to raise UAH 120 million in bail for Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov after suspicion from NABU. The interlocutors are looking for sources of funds, mentioning big business and "unofficial" money.

2. "Dynasty" Cooperative in Kozyn
Another fragment concerns the construction of four elite mansions near Kyiv. After Chernyshov ’s suspicion, he allegedly ordered to immediately suspend construction due to the risk of attention from investigators and the media. The conversation mentions names of high-ranking officials.

3. Fire Point and the Ministry of Defence
The third recording allegedly concerns funding for Fire Point company and debts of the Ministry of Defence. It also discusses pressure on state decisions, supply of body armor, and negotiations with foreign investors.

What this means
If the recordings are genuine, they indicate the shadow influence of business-political clans on state decisions, use of positions for personal gain, and corruption at the top of power.

What next
These materials are already part of the NABU and SAPO case. Their publication may trigger a new wave of investigations, suspicions, and political consequences.