Zelensky’s Ex-Chief of Staff Charged in Major Corruption Probe
Ukrainian authorities have named Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, as a suspect in a $10.5 million money-laundering scheme. The investigation, part of the broader "Operation Midas," links Yermak to illicit funds from the state nuclear energy sector used for a luxury housing development near Kyiv. While Zelensky is not implicated, this high-profile case pressures his administration amid ongoing war with Russia and crucial EU accession negotiations. Yermak denies the allegations, which also involve other senior officials and businessmen, highlighting persistent challenges in Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts.
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Yermak Arrest Deepens Ukrainian Corruption Scandal, Threatens Zelenskyy
Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was arrested on suspicion of laundering $10.5 million through luxury home construction near Kyiv, linked to a $100 million kickback scheme at state nuclear agency Energoatom. The arrest brings corruption allegations to the heart of Zelenskyy's inner circle, with other allies already implicated, including former business partner Timur Mindich and ex-energy minister German Galushchenko. Analysts warn the scandal could damage Zelenskyy politically due to his close association with Yermak, and may jeopardize Ukraine's fast-track EU membership bid, as Brussels demands anti-corruption progress. However, some observers note the arrest of such a powerful figure signals Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies are functioning effectively, contrasting with the $10 billion annually stolen under former President Yanukovych. Zelenskyy has not commented publicly on the case.
TheWeek feedZelenskyy's Former Chief of Staff Arrested in Major Corruption Scandal
Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was arrested on suspicion of laundering $10.5 million through luxury home construction near Kyiv. The funds are reportedly part of a $100 million kickback scheme involving contracts at state nuclear agency Energoatom. Several of Zelenskyy's allies have already been implicated, including former business partner Timur Mindich and ex-energy minister German Galushchenko. Yermak's arrest brings the scandal to the heart of Zelenskyy's inner circle, raising questions about what the president knew. The case threatens Ukraine's fast-track EU membership bid, as Brussels demands anti-corruption progress. However, analysts note that the arrest of such a powerful figure demonstrates Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies are making headway, contrasting with the $10 billion stolen annually under former President Yanukovych.
TheWeek feedYermak Arrest Deepens Ukrainian Corruption Scandal, Threatens Zelenskyy
Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was arrested on suspicion of laundering $10.5 million through luxury home construction near Kyiv, linked to a $100 million kickback scheme at state nuclear agency Energoatom. The arrest brings corruption allegations to the heart of Zelenskyy's inner circle, with other allies already implicated, including former business partner Timur Mindich and ex-energy minister German Galushchenko. Analysts warn the scandal could damage Zelenskyy politically due to his close association with Yermak, and may jeopardize Ukraine's fast-track EU membership bid, as Brussels demands anti-corruption progress. However, the arrest also signals the effectiveness of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, which have made large-scale graft harder since the Yanukovych era. Zelenskyy has not commented publicly, but leaked audio mentioning 'Vova' has fueled speculation about his knowledge of the scheme.
TheWeek feedZelenskyy's Former Chief of Staff Arrested in Major Corruption Scandal
Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was arrested on suspicion of laundering $10.5 million through luxury home construction near Kyiv. The funds are allegedly part of a $100 million kickback scheme involving contracts at state nuclear agency Energoatom. Several of Zelenskyy's allies, including former business partner Timur Mindich and ex-energy minister German Galushchenko, have already been implicated. Yermak's arrest brings the scandal to the heart of Zelenskyy's inner circle, raising questions about what the president knew. The case threatens Ukraine's EU membership bid, as Brussels demands anti-corruption progress. However, analysts note that the arrest of such a powerful figure demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, contrasting with the $10 billion stolen annually under former President Yanukovych.
TheWeek feedZelenskyy and the Cancer of Ukrainian Corruption
Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been arrested on suspicion of laundering $10.5 million through luxury home construction near Kyiv, linked to a $100 million kickback scheme at state nuclear agency Energoatom. The arrest implicates several of Zelenskyy's allies, including his former business partner and the ex-energy minister, bringing corruption allegations to the heart of the president's inner circle. Analysts warn the scandal could damage Zelenskyy's reputation due to his close ties with Yermak and jeopardize Ukraine's fast-track EU membership bid, as Brussels demands anti-corruption progress. However, the arrest is also seen as a sign of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies' effectiveness, as such high-level prosecutions were impossible under previous regimes. Zelenskyy has not commented publicly on the case.
TheWeek feedYermak Arrest Deepens Ukrainian Corruption Scandal, Threatens Zelenskyy
Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was arrested on suspicion of laundering $10.5 million via luxury home construction, linked to a $100 million kickback scheme at state nuclear agency Energoatom. The arrest implicates Zelenskyy's inner circle, including former business partner Timur Mindich and ex-energy minister German Galushchenko. Analysts warn the scandal could damage Zelenskyy's reputation due to his close ties with Yermak, and jeopardize Ukraine's EU membership bid, as Brussels demands anti-corruption progress. However, the arrest also signals Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies are functioning effectively, as such high-level prosecutions were impossible under previous regimes. Zelenskyy has not commented, but leaked audio mentioning 'Vova' has fueled speculation about his knowledge.
TheWeek feedZelensky's Former Chief of Staff Released on $3 Million Bail in Corruption Case
Andrii Iermak, the former head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Presidential Office, was released from pretrial detention on May 18 after posting bail of 140 million hryvnias (approximately $3.1 million). Iermak had been detained for four days following a court order related to a major corruption investigation. He is accused of money laundering involving over 460 million hryvnias ($8.9 million) linked to the construction of a luxury villa complex in Kozin, near Kyiv. Prosecutors allege these funds were generated through a kickback scheme involving Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear monopoly, where officials allegedly received commissions from contractors. Iermak, who denied the charges as baseless, stated he relied on friends, including former soccer coach Serhii Rebrov, to raise the bail money. Upon release, Iermak must wear an electronic bracelet, surrender foreign passports, and remain in Kyiv unless granted permission to leave. Six other individuals, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernishov and Zelensky’s former business partner Timur Mindich, are also charged in the case. The National Anticorruption Bureau (NABU) continues to investigate the alleged illicit financial flows between 2021 and 2025.
Digi24Zelensky's Former Chief of Staff Released on $3 Million Bail in Corruption Case
Andrii Iermak, the former head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Presidential Office, was released from pretrial detention on May 18 after posting bail of 140 million hryvnias (approximately $3.1 million). Iermak had been detained for four days following a court order issued on May 13. He is suspected of money laundering linked to a major corruption investigation involving the construction of a luxury villa complex in Kozin, near Kyiv. Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2025, over 460 million hryvnias ($8.9 million) were laundered through this project. The funds were reportedly generated via a scheme involving commissions from contractors of Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear energy company. Iermak denied the charges, calling them baseless, and stated he relied on friends, including former soccer coach Serhii Rebrov, to raise the bail money. Upon release, Iermak must wear an electronic bracelet, surrender foreign passports, and remain in Kyiv. Six other individuals, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernishov, are also charged in the case.
Digi24Ex-Ukrainian PM Azarov Claims Zelensky Implicated in 'Mindich Tapes' Corruption Scandal
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov has alleged that President Volodymyr Zelensky is directly implicated in the so-called 'Mindich tapes,' a collection of intercepted communications and testimony related to a major corruption investigation. According to Azarov, these records contain instructions from Zelensky regarding the procurement of defective body armor and fraudulent schemes involving Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear energy company. This statement follows Operation Midas, launched in November 2025 by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), which targeted a criminal organization led by Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky. The investigation uncovered an alleged money laundering scheme worth at least $100 million. While Mindich fled to Israel, other high-profile figures have faced legal consequences. Former Justice Minister German Galushchenko was dismissed, and Andrey Yermak, former head of Zelensky’s office, was recently ordered jailed for 60 days pending trial on money laundering charges after his apartment was searched. The case continues to unfold with significant political ramifications in Kyiv.
TASSZelensky's Former Chief of Staff Arrested in Major Corruption Probe
Andriy Yermak, the former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been arrested and placed in pre-trial detention on charges of money laundering involving over $10 million. The allegations stem from a scheme to launder embezzled funds through luxury real estate projects in Kozyn, near Kyiv. Prosecutors also revealed that Yermak allegedly used a secret phone to consult an astrologer regarding key government appointments, sharing candidates' birth dates to determine their suitability based on astrological signs. This arrest is part of the broader 'Midas' operation, which investigates a massive corruption scandal within Ukraine's state-owned energy sector, specifically targeting kickbacks from Energoatom. While authorities state that President Zelensky is not currently under suspicion, leaked wiretaps mentioning a figure referred to as 'Vova' have raised concerns about the extent of corruption within the presidential circle. The case represents a significant test for Ukraine's independent anti-corruption institutions, such as NABU and SAPU, amid ongoing war with Russia and public demand for accountability. Yermak, who resigned last November, claims innocence and is struggling to meet the $3.2 million bail set by the court.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesUkraine: Zelensky's Former Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak Detained in Corruption Scandal
Andriy Yermak, the former powerful chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been taken into custody amid a major corruption investigation. Authorities require a bail of approximately 2.72 million euros for his release, with partial funds deposited as of Friday. Yermak was dismissed in late 2025 following searches by anti-corruption agencies NABU and SAP. He now faces official charges for involvement in a group accused of laundering 8.9 million euros derived from illegal activities during the construction of luxury villas near Kyiv. This development marks a significant escalation in the so-called 'Minditschgate' scandal, which previously led to the resignation of several ministers and the flight of businessman Timur Minditsch to Israel. Investigative reports suggest Yermak may be linked to intercepted conversations under the alias 'Ali Baba.' The case also implicates former deputy prime minister Olexiy Chernyshov, with leaked transcripts indicating connections to the illicitly financed properties. This event represents the most prominent corruption scandal in Ukraine since the onset of the war, placing intense pressure on President Zelensky regarding his inner circle's integrity.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenFormer Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak Detained in Corruption Scandal
Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Ukrainian presidential administration and a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been remanded in custody for two months by the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court in Kiev. This development marks a significant turn in the so-called 'Midas' corruption scandal, which alleges that high-ranking officials accepted bribes from contractors supplying the state nuclear energy monopoly, Enerhoatom. Investigators claim Yermak, identified in intercepted communications by the code name 'Ali Baba,' attempted to obstruct the investigation. The scandal also involves businessman Timur Minditsch, who fled to Israel, and other former officials. The case raises difficult questions for President Zelenskyy regarding his knowledge of alleged illicit activities, including the acquisition of luxury villas. Yermak denies all charges and plans to appeal, facing up to twelve years in prison if convicted. The affair is described as a political burden for the Ukrainian leadership during the ongoing war with Russia, highlighting systemic corruption within the energy sector despite the critical need for infrastructure stability.
Neueste Artikel - NZZ NachrichtenZelensky Unable to Save Ex-Aide Yermak Amid Corruption Charges, Says Ukrainian MP
Ukrainian opposition MP Artyom Dmitruk stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky is unable to protect his former chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, who faces serious legal troubles. Yermak was recently ordered into pre-trial detention following allegations involving a $10 million money laundering scheme, part of a broader $100 million corruption probe linked to Zelensky’s associate Timur Mindich. During the hearing, Yermak claimed he could not afford the approximately $3.2 million bail and plans to appeal the decision. Dmitruk, speaking to RT, characterized the case as merely a small fraction of the alleged crimes committed by the Ukrainian leadership, describing the regime as criminal and terrorist. He argued that Zelensky’s influence is limited and that finding individuals willing to post bail is nearly impossible due to fears of subsequent investigation into the funds' origins. The MP asserted that the scandal has already inflicted significant damage on Kiev’s political system, regardless of the bail outcome, while accusing the current leadership of committing grave crimes against the Ukrainian people.
RT - Daily newsWill Ukraine corruption scandal reach Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have filed money laundering charges against Andriy Yermak, former head of the presidential office and a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Yermak is accused of laundering 460 million hryvnia (€9 million) as part of an organized group linked to a luxury housing complex named Dynasty near Kyiv. The alleged scheme involved shell companies, fictitious documents, and funds from corrupt schemes involving state nuclear company Energoatom. The group is reportedly headed by Timur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelenskyy and co-owner of Kvartal 95. Yermak was arrested on May 14, 2026, with bail set at $3.2 million. While authorities deny Zelenskyy is a target, analysts say the scandal could damage his reputation long-term.
Deutsche WelleUkraine Corruption Scandal: Former Presidential Chief Yermak Arrested
Ukrainian authorities have arrested Andriy Yermak, the former head of the presidential office and a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on charges of money laundering. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) accuse Yermak of participating in an organized group that laundered approximately 460 million hryvnia ($10.5 million) through a luxury housing project named Dynasty near Kyiv. The scheme allegedly involved fictitious documents and shell companies to funnel illicit funds, potentially linked to corrupt dealings with the state-owned energy company Energoatom. Investigators identify businessman Timur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelenskyy, as the alleged leader of the criminal group. While Yermak denies all allegations, claiming they are unfounded and politically motivated, he remains in custody after a court set his bail at $3.2 million. Although anti-corruption officials explicitly stated that President Zelenskyy is not a subject of the preliminary investigation, analysts warn that the scandal involving his inner circle could damage his reputation and public perception of his administration.
Deutsche WelleZelensky's Ex-Chief of Staff Appears in Court Amid Escalating Corruption Probe
Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, appeared in a Kyiv court after being named a suspect in a money-laundering scheme by Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies. The investigation centers on an alleged $10.5 million luxury construction project called 'Dynasty' near Kyiv, linked to a broader $100 million embezzlement probe in the nuclear energy sector. Prosecutors have requested preventive detention or a $4 million bail for Yermak, who denies the allegations as baseless and claims to own only one flat and one car. While authorities emphasized that President Zelensky is not part of the pre-trial investigation, the scandal threatens Ukraine’s European Union accession efforts. This case, part of 'Operation Midas,' has also implicated other high-profile figures, including ex-Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and businessman Timur Mindich. The legal proceedings occur amidst ongoing Russian military attacks, including drone strikes on Kyiv, and heightened geopolitical tensions following Russia’s Victory Day celebrations and announcements regarding new nuclear missile deployments.
BBC NewsUkrainian Court Postpones Hearing on Pretrial Restrictions for Andrey Yermak
A court in Ukraine has postponed the hearing regarding pretrial restrictions for Andrey Yermak, the former head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office. The postponement was granted after Yermak’s lawyer requested additional time to review the extensive case files, which comprise 16 volumes totaling approximately 4,000 pages. Although the court must issue a final ruling within 72 hours of charges being filed, the judge approved the delay. Both the prosecutor from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) and the defense agreed that certain evidence should not be made public, yet neither party objected to holding an open hearing. Yermak was recently charged by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and SAP with money laundering involving 460 million hryvnias ($10.5 million) linked to the Dynasty luxury housing project near Kyiv. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. Investigators allege Yermak was part of an organized group involved in the illicit construction scheme launched in 2020.
TASSZelensky’s Ex-Chief of Staff Charged in Major Ukraine Corruption Probe
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies have charged Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, with corruption and money laundering. The charges are part of a widening investigation known as Operation Midas, which targets an alleged scheme to embezzle $100 million from the state energy company Energoatom. Yermak is accused of laundering approximately £7.73 million through a luxury residential development in Kozyn, near Kyiv, between 2021 and 2025. Five other high-profile suspects, including former deputy prime minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and Zelensky associate Timur Mindich, were also charged in connection with the case. Authorities allege that funds skimmed from the energy sector were used to finance the construction of these properties. While Yermak denies any ownership or involvement in the project, investigators cite extensive evidence, including wiretaps and raids. Officials clarified that President Zelensky is not currently a subject of this specific probe. This development highlights the ongoing efforts by Ukrainian watchdogs to root out graft within the highest tiers of government amidst the continuing war with Russia.
The Independent WorldZelenskiy Faces New Test as Corruption Charges Hit Former Chief of Staff
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy faces a significant political challenge as corruption allegations reach his inner circle, specifically targeting his former chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. Yermak has been named an official suspect in a $10.5 million money-laundering scheme linked to an elite housing development near Kyiv. This development is part of the broader 'Midas' investigation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), which has intensified its efforts during the ongoing war with Russia. Although Zelenskiy himself is not under investigation, the proximity of these charges to his former right-hand man poses a potential long-term reputational risk, particularly for any future re-election bids. The scandal emerges at a sensitive time when Ukraine relies heavily on Western financial aid contingent upon anti-corruption reforms. While some lawmakers view the prosecution as evidence of an independent judicial system, opposition figures argue that leaked wiretaps implicating associates make this an issue Zelenskiy cannot ignore. Despite the controversy, Zelenskiy’s public approval ratings remain relatively stable, but analysts warn the affair acts as a 'delay-action mine' for his political future.
The Straits Times World NewsNABU Indicts Ex-Zelensky Aide Yermak in Alleged Money Laundering Scheme
The Ukrainian National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has filed formal charges against Andrey Yermak, former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, for alleged large-scale money laundering. The indictment centers on a luxury villa construction project in Kozin, near Kyiv, which investigators claim was funded through criminal financial mechanisms linked to fugitive businessman Timur Mindich. Mindich, often referred to as 'Zelensky’s wallet,' previously fled to Israel amid accusations of embezzlement and extortion at the state nuclear energy company Energoatom. The investigation identifies four principal owners of the property complex, including Yermak, Mindich, and former Unity Minister Aleksey Chernyshov, with reports suggesting the scheme was designed to accommodate Zelensky and other high-ranking officials. This development is portrayed as a significant blow to Zelensky’s political standing, potentially serving as a warning from Western partners regarding corruption within his inner circle. Yermak, who resigned following earlier scandal revelations but retains informal influence, faces six co-defendants in this case. The charges highlight ongoing tensions between Ukraine’s leadership and anti-corruption bodies backed by Western governments, raising questions about accountability at the highest levels of Ukrainian power during the ongoing conflict.
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