Full Breakdown
Zelensky Dismisses Deputy Chief Iryna Mudra Amid “Operation Forrest Gump” Anti-Corruption Probe
8/21/2026, 5:21:49 AM
Core Event: Dismissal and Launch of a New Corruption Investigation
On August 19 2026 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a decree removing Iryna Mudra from her post as deputy head of the Presidential Office. The decision followed the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) announcing “Operation Forrest Gump,” a probe into an alleged criminal network that includes current and former MPs and senior officials. The agencies allege the group laundered roughly 150 million UAH (about $3 million) through Sense Bank to fund bail for former energy minister Herman Halushchenko, linked to the earlier “Operation Midas” scandal.
Background & Context
The probe builds on “Operation Midas,” unveiled in November 2025, which accused a network of extracting kickbacks from Energoatom contracts and laundering €85 million. The new operation adds alleged corporate-raiding schemes, forged ownership documents and payments to judges to secure asset freezes on high-value Kyiv real estate.
Key Figures & Groups
- Iryna Mudra – Deputy head of the Presidential Office, accused of coordinating money-laundering and corporate-raiding.
- Timur Mindich – Former business partner of Zelenskyy, co-owner of Kvartal 95, alleged ringleader of the Midas scheme, now residing in Israel.
- Andriy Yermak – Former chief of staff, named in related “Dynasty” investigations.
- Herman Halushchenko – Former energy minister, defendant in the Midas case.
- Vadym Stolar – Former MP linked to the corporate-raiding tapes.
Timeline
- March 29 2024 – Mudra appointed deputy head of the Presidential Office.
- November 2025 – NABU and SAP unveil “Operation Midas.”
- June 2026 – Audio recordings capture Mudra discussing influence over Sense Bank.
- August 19 2026 – Zelenskyy dismisses Mudra; NABU and SAP release trailer for “Operation Forrest Gump.”
Data & Statistics
- Alleged laundering: 150 million UAH (? $3 million) via Sense Bank.
- “Operation Midas” estimated laundering: €85 million.
- Corporate-raiding assets seized in fall 2025: > 248 million UAH; attempted seizure of Kyiv real estate in May 2026 valued at > 207 million UAH.
- Reported hacker-hiring costs: $514,000.
Official Statements & Responses
- President Zelenskyy – Decree: “Iryna Romanivna Mudra is hereby dismissed from the post of Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.”
- NABU/SAP – Described the operation as targeting a “criminal organization” that includes a deputy head of the president’s office, a serving MP, a former MP and senior bank officials.
- Iryna Mudra – “I will defend my name in a legal manner – calmly and consistently.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Laundered amount: NABU’s video cites 150 million UAH, while Euronews reports the bail sum as €3 million (? 150 million UAH).
- Identity of “David” in Mudra’s recordings remains unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They will not crack down on Sense Bank and Sense Bank must pay them,” — Iryna Mudra
- “Corruption shouldn’t be fought, it should be spearheaded,” — Maksym Mykytas
- “We are fighting precisely because we want to remain a free European state.” — Mykhailo Fedorov
What’s Next
NABU and SAP plan further searches and asset freezes as the investigation proceeds. The Ukrainian parliament continues EU accession talks, with rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms under heightened scrutiny.
