Ukraine Charges Zelensky’s Ex-Chief of Staff in Major Money Laundering Case
Ukrainian authorities have charged former Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak and six others with laundering $10.5 million through a luxury real estate project near Kyiv. Prosecutors allege funds originated from corruption schemes at state nuclear company Energoatom. While President Zelensky is explicitly excluded from the probe, the case intensifies political pressure on his administration. Yermak denies the allegations, calling them baseless, as courts determine preventive measures like detention or high bail. This investigation marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s high-level anti-corruption efforts during wartime.
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Ukraine's ex-presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak detained in corruption case involving fortune-teller
Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the detention of Andriy Yermak, former head of President Zelensky's office, on May 14, 2026, on suspicion of money laundering and membership in an organized criminal group. Bail was set at 140 million hryvnias (€2.7m), which Yermak claimed he could not afford. Evidence includes wiretapped phone calls with a fortune-teller named Veronika Anikievych, with whom Yermak allegedly discussed high-level government appointments and foreign negotiations. Yermak denies consulting fortune-tellers on appointments. The anti-corruption authorities have stated that President Zelensky is not implicated in the case. Yermak faces up to 12 years in prison.
EUobserverUkraine's Ex-Top Aide Andriy Yermak Detained in Corruption Case Involving Fortune-Teller
Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the detention of Andriy Yermak, former head of President Zelensky's office, on May 14, 2026, on suspicion of money laundering and membership in an organized criminal group. Bail was set at 140 million hryvnias (€2.7m), which Yermak claimed he could not afford. Wiretapped conversations revealed Yermak consulted a fortune-teller named Veronika Anikievych, who advertised as an 'astrology consultant,' about high-level government appointments and negotiations with foreign partners. Yermak denied consulting fortune-tellers on appointments. The anti-corruption authorities stated the president was not implicated. Yermak faces up to 12 years in prison.
EUobserverUkraine's High Anti-Corruption Court Orders Detention of Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's Former Chief of Staff
On 14 May 2026, Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the detention of Andriy Yermak, former head of President Zelensky's office, on suspicion of money laundering and membership in an organized criminal group. Bail was set at 140 million hryvnias (€2.7m), which Yermak claimed he could not afford. Evidence includes wiretapped phone calls in which Yermak consulted a fortune-teller, Veronika Anikievych, about high-level government appointments and negotiations with foreign partners. Yermak denies consulting fortune-tellers on appointments. The anti-corruption authorities have stated that President Zelensky is not implicated in the case. Yermak faces up to 12 years in prison.
EUobserverAndriy Yermak: Zelensky's Former Chief of Staff Released on Bail Amid Corruption Charges
Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Ukrainian presidential office and a close confidant of President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been released from pre-trial detention on bail set at 2.72 million euros. The highest anti-corruption court in Ukraine ordered his release with strict conditions, including an electronic ankle bracelet and a ban on leaving the country. Yermak was arrested last week on suspicions of money laundering and involvement in a criminal organization. Authorities allege he collaborated with businessmen, including Timur Minditsch and former deputy prime minister Olexij Chernyschow, to launder approximately nine million euros linked to luxury villa constructions near Kyiv between 2021 and 2025. This case stems from the broader 'Minditschgate' scandal that previously led to ministerial resignations. While Yermak’s lawyer denies the charges as conjecture, the Presidential Office has publicly distanced itself from the former chief of staff. President Zelensky has not personally commented on the arrest, though his administration emphasizes a continued fight against corruption to support Ukraine's EU accession ambitions.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenUkraine's Former Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak Released on Bail
Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Ukrainian presidential office and a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been released from custody on bail. The Supreme Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine ordered his release after he posted a deposit equivalent to 2.72 million euros, which was reportedly collected by supporters over the weekend. Yermak had been detained for a 60-day pre-trial period following allegations of corruption. He faces serious charges, including money laundering and membership in a criminal organization. Prosecutors accuse him of involvement in illegal multi-million dollar transactions linked to a luxury construction project, alongside five other suspects. As a condition of his conditional release, Yermak is prohibited from leaving Ukraine. Media footage from Kyiv showed the 54-year-old former official, once considered the second most powerful man in the country, leaving the detention center dressed in a suit. This development marks a significant turn in a high-profile corruption case involving top-tier Ukrainian political figures during the ongoing conflict.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenFormer Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Yermak Released on Bail After Four Days in Detention
Andrey Yermak, the former head of the Ukrainian presidential office, was released from a pre-trial detention center in Kyiv after spending four nights there, according to reports from Ukraine’s Channel 5 cited by TASS. His release followed the full payment of a court-ordered bail amounting to 140 million hryvnia (approximately $3.1 million). Although journalist Mikhail Tkach reported that over 154 million hryvnia was raised, the fundraising process faced delays, preventing immediate release and resulting in his short-term incarceration. Upon exiting the facility, Yermak reluctantly confirmed to journalists that he had been held in a paid cell before departing in a Mercedes-Benz under security protection. Yermak was initially detained on May 14 after being charged by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) on May 11. He faces accusations of involvement in laundering 460 million hryvnia ($10.5 million) linked to the construction of luxury housing near Kyiv. The court had imposed a 60-day pre-trial detention measure with the option of bail, which was ultimately secured by mobilizing resources from his acquaintances and political network.
TASSFormer Zelenskyy Aide Andrii Yermak Released on Bail in Corruption Case
Andrii Yermak, the former head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Office, was released from pre-trial detention on the morning of May 18, 2026, after bail was posted on his behalf. The High Anti-Corruption Court confirmed that the required bail amount of UAH 140 million (approximately US$3.2 million) had been paid. Yermak stated he was held in a cell with improved conditions and claimed ignorance regarding who specifically posted the bail. He faces charges of money laundering involving UAH 460 million linked to the construction of the Dynastiia housing complex in Kozyn, near Kyiv. Investigators allege that some funds originated from corruption schemes at Energoatom. Prior to his release, significant contributions were made by supporters, including Serhii Rebrov, the former Ukraine national football team coach, who donated UAH 30 million. Yermak had been remanded in custody on May 14, expressing surprise at the court's initial decision but noting he had friends willing to assist with the financial requirement. This development marks a significant turn in the high-profile corruption case involving a key former presidential aide.
Ukrainska PravdaFull Bail Amount Paid for Former Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andrey Yermak
The High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine has confirmed receipt of the full bail amount required for the release of Andrey Yermak, the former head of the Ukrainian presidential office, from pre-trial detention. The court-set bail was established at 140 million hryvnia (approximately $3.1 million). Ukrainian journalist Mikhail Tkach reported that the fundraising effort involved around 200 individual payments, raising a total exceeding 154 million hryvnia, which surpasses the required sum. Yermak was charged on May 11 by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) with legalizing property obtained through criminal means. He is accused of involvement in laundering 460 million hryvnia linked to luxury housing construction near Kiev. Following his charging, a court imposed a 60-day pre-trial detention on May 14, offering bail as an alternative. Although Yermak expressed confidence in securing funds quickly, the process stalled, resulting in four nights in detention before the full amount was successfully collected and submitted to the court.
TASSYermak Bail Funds Collected but Not Transferred Due to Financial Checks, Says Deputy
Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak reported that the full 140 million hryvnia ($3.1 million) bail for Andrey Yermak, former head of President Zelensky's office, was collected by his associates but not transferred to the court. Yermak, accused of laundering funds during a cottage settlement construction, remained in custody after a Kiev court ordered a 60-day detention. According to Zheleznyak, banks initially accepted payments from questionable sources, including shell companies, under assurances that the collection was a state priority backed by President Zelensky. However, the State Financial Monitoring Service subsequently warned banks that fund sources would be strictly audited, with sanctions for violations. Fearing regulatory repercussions, the donors withheld the transfer. Zheleznyak alleged that the financial monitoring chief was appointed through Yermak's influence. Journalist Mikhail Tkach corroborated that bail funds were routed through shell entities. The situation highlights tensions between political influence and financial compliance mechanisms within Ukraine's anti-corruption framework, leaving Yermak detained despite the availability of bail money.
TASSFormer Ukrainian Presidential Chief Yermak Remains in Detention as Bail Unpaid
Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, will remain in pretrial detention through the weekend after failing to post the full bail amount. According to Ukrainska Pravda, while 58.8 million hryvnias have been paid toward the required 140 million hryvnias ($3.2 million), the total sum has not yet been secured. Verkhovna Rada deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak claims the defense has collected 100 million hryvnias, but Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court does not operate on weekends, preventing verification of funds until Monday. Yermak was ordered detained on May 14 in connection with a money laundering investigation involving 460 million hryvnias linked to the construction of the luxury Dynasty property development near Kyiv. He has not entered a guilty plea. Notable contributors to the bail fund include former national football team coach Serhiy Rebrov. Yermak previously stated he lacked the personal funds for bail and relied on acquaintances for assistance. The situation highlights ongoing legal challenges facing former senior officials in Ukraine amid anti-corruption efforts.
Meduza.ioZelensky’s Former Chief of Staff Remains in Detention as Bail Unpaid
Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, will remain in pretrial detention through the weekend after failing to post the full bail amount. According to Ukrainska Pravda, while 58.8 million hryvnias have been paid toward the required 140 million hryvnias ($3.2 million), the total sum has not yet been secured. Verkhovna Rada deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak claims the defense has collected 100 million hryvnias, but Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court does not operate on weekends, preventing verification of funds until Monday. Yermak was ordered detained on May 14 in connection with an alleged money laundering scheme involving 460 million hryvnias linked to the Dynasty luxury property development near Kyiv. He has not entered a guilty plea. Notable figures, including former national football team coach Serhiy Rebrov, have contributed to the bail fund. Yermak previously stated he lacked the personal funds to cover the bail, relying on contributions from acquaintances. This development highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Ukraine's highest political circles.
Meduza.ioCourt Postpones Hearing on Preventive Measure for Former Ukrainian Official Andriy Yermak
The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has postponed the hearing regarding the preventive measure for Andriy Yermak, the former Head of the Presidential Office. The delay was granted after Yermak’s defense lawyer, Ihor Fomin, requested additional time to review extensive case materials comprising 16 volumes. Investigating Judge Viktor Nohachevskyi approved the request, with proceedings expected to resume the following day. This development occurs amidst a broader corruption investigation led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). On May 1, authorities notified Yermak of suspicion regarding the alleged laundering of UAH 460 million through the construction of luxury cottages near Kyiv. The scheme reportedly involved funds linked to corruption at Energoatom, uncovered during Operation Midas. Six other individuals, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov and businessman Tymur Mindich, also face suspicions. While Chernyshov was released on bail, Mindich is sought via Interpol. The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Ukraine's highest political circles, focusing on illicit financial flows tied to real estate developments in the Kyiv region between 2021 and 2025.
Latest newsUkraine's Anti-Corruption Court Reviews Preventive Measure for Former Presidential Chief of Staff Yermak
The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has commenced hearings to determine a preventive measure for Andrii Yermak, the former head of the Office of the President. Yermak faces allegations of laundering approximately UAH 460 million (US$10.5 million) through the Dynastiia housing complex construction project near Kyiv. Prosecutors allege that funds linked to corruption schemes at Energoatom were used in the project, with Yermak’s father acting as his authorized representative during key periods. The prosecution seeks detention or an alternative bail of UAH 180 million. During the initial session, Yermak’s defense requested a postponement, citing insufficient time to review the extensive 16-volume case file. Consequently, the court deferred the final decision on the preventive measure, noting it must be resolved within 72 hours of the official suspicion notice. Yermak denied ongoing influence in the President's Office, dismissing such claims as media leaks. This high-profile case underscores continued anti-corruption efforts within Ukraine’s highest political circles, involving significant financial discrepancies and alleged misuse of state-related resources.
Ukrainska PravdaNABU Chief States Zelensky Not Named in Yermak Corruption Investigation
Semyon Krivonos, the head of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), has officially stated that President Vladimir Zelensky is not a target in the ongoing pre-trial investigation involving Andrey Yermak, the former head of the Presidential Office. The investigation primarily focuses on corruption within the defense sector, specifically targeting certain drone manufacturers. Yermak was recently charged with money laundering on a large scale, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Authorities allege his involvement in a criminal group that laundered approximately 460 million hryvnias through the Dynasty luxury housing project near Kyiv. While Krivonos declined to confirm rumors that a residence in this project was intended for Zelensky, he emphasized the presumption of innocence regarding unnamed companies. This development follows Operation Midas, which exposed a broader corruption network involving Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky. Audio recordings from the operation have sparked significant political controversy, revealing discussions on embezzlement and influence peddling within Ukraine's highest leadership circles, leading to Yermak's dismissal and ongoing scrutiny of the administration's inner circle.
TASSYermak Awaits Court Decision on Corruption Charges
Andriy Yermak, former Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, expressed hope for a fair and independent court decision ahead of his hearing at the High Anti-Corruption Court. The session focuses on a motion by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to impose pre-trial detention or set bail at UAH 180 million. Yermak was recently notified of suspicion regarding the alleged laundering of UAH 460 million through the construction of luxury cottages near Kyiv between 2021 and 2025. Investigators claim funds were sourced from corruption schemes involving Energoatom, uncovered in 'Operation Midas.' Six other individuals, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov and businessman Tymur Mindich, also face suspicions. While Chernyshov paid bail to avoid detention, Mindich fled to Israel and is sought via Interpol. The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Ukraine's highest political circles, with authorities asserting that the current President is not involved in the investigation.
Latest newsSAPO Seeks Detention for Ex-Presidential Chief Yermak with UAH 180 Million Bail
Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) has announced it will request pre-trial detention for Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. SAPO chief Oleksandr Klymenko stated that the prosecution seeks detention with an alternative bail option set at UAH 180 million. This legal action follows suspicions notified on May 11 regarding Yermak’s alleged involvement in laundering UAH 460 million through the construction of luxury cottages near Kyiv between 2021 and 2025. The investigation, linked to 'Operation Midas,' suggests funds derived from corruption schemes involving Energoatom were used for the project. Additionally, six other suspects, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov and businessman Tymur Mindich, face similar allegations. Chernyshov has already paid a UAH 120 million bail, while Mindich, who fled to Israel, is being sought via Interpol. The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Ukraine’s high-level political and business circles, implicating significant financial misconduct and organized group activities in the real estate sector.
Latest newsSAPO Chief: President Zelensky Not Involved in UAH 460M Laundering Probe
Oleksandr Klymenko, Head of Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelensky is not involved in the investigation regarding the alleged laundering of UAH 460 million linked to luxury cottage construction near Kyiv. This statement follows recent suspicions issued against former senior official Andriy Yermak and six other individuals, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov and businessman Tymur Mindich. Investigators allege that between 2021 and 2025, the suspects laundered funds through a cottage complex in Kozyn, with part of the financing derived from corruption schemes involving Energoatom, uncovered during Operation Midas. While Mindich reportedly fled to Israel before being notified, Chernyshov was detained after posting bail. Klymenko emphasized that the pre-trial investigation remains ongoing, examining various theories about asset ownership, but explicitly excluded the President from any involvement. The case highlights continued anti-corruption efforts within Ukraine’s defense and energy sectors, with authorities seeking to place Mindich on the Interpol wanted list.
Latest newsUkraine Names Six More Suspects in $10.5 Million Money-Laundering Case Linked to Zelensky’s Ex-Chief of Staff
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have identified six additional suspects in a significant money-laundering investigation involving approximately 460 million hryvnias ($10.5 million). The case centers on the illicit financing of an elite residential construction project in Kozyn, near Kyiv, allegedly funded by proceeds from corrupt schemes at Energoatom, the state nuclear energy company. The suspects face charges under Part 3 of Article 209 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, carrying potential prison sentences of eight to twelve years. While authorities did not officially disclose names, reports indicate the group includes former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and businessman Timur Mindich, both linked to the criminal network exposed in Operation Midas. This development follows the earlier implication of Andriy Yermak, former head of the President’s Office and a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who resigned in November 2025 amid the scandal. The investigation highlights ongoing efforts by Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies to address high-level graft within state enterprises and political circles during a period of national crisis.
Meduza.ioProsecutors Seek Detention or $4 Million Bail for Zelenskyy’s Former Chief of Staff Yermak
Oleksandr Klymenko, Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), announced that prosecutors will request pre-trial detention for Andrii Yermak, the former Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. As an alternative to detention, a bail amount of 180 million UAH (approximately $4 million) is being sought. This legal action stems from an investigation into the construction of the high-end Dynastiia housing complex in Kozyn, near Kyiv. Authorities allege that Yermak was involved in laundering approximately 460 million UAH ($10.5 million) through this project, with some funds potentially originating from corruption schemes at Energoatom. Prior to this announcement, Yermak was formally served with a notice of suspicion on May 11, 2026, following investigative actions by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and SAPO. Six other members of the implicated organized group have also received notices of suspicion. Yermak, who resigned in late 2025 amid earlier searches, has denied significant wealth, claiming ownership of only one car and apartment. The case marks a significant development in Ukraine's ongoing anti-corruption efforts involving high-level officials.
Ukrainska PravdaUkraine Anti-Graft Agency Expands Probe into Zelensky Allies in Real Estate Case
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has expanded an investigation into high-level corruption involving individuals close to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The agency suspects six additional people of laundering over 460 million hryvnia ($10.5 million) through criminally acquired real estate properties outside Kyiv. Among those implicated are a former deputy prime minister and a businessman linked to the earlier 'Operation Midas' energy graft probe. Reports also indicate that Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s former chief of staff who resigned in November following apartment searches, is involved in this scheme. This development threatens to ignite a new political scandal as Zelenskiy attempts to restart peace negotiations with Russia. The case adds significant pressure on the Ukrainian leader, whose inner circle has faced repeated allegations of embezzlement and corruption in recent months. Anti-corruption advocates view this investigation as a critical opportunity for Zelenskiy to demonstrate commitment to reform by distancing himself from former allies. The ongoing probes raise serious questions about oversight within the presidential administration and its handling of state resources during wartime.
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