Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the pre-trial detention of Andriy Yermak, the powerful former head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Office and once the country’s second-most influential figure, on money-laundering charges tied to a high-profile corruption scheme.
The ruling marks a dramatic fall for Yermak, who served as Zelenskyy’s closest aide from 2020 until his resignation in late 2025 amid earlier raids. He was taken into custody directly from the courtroom following the decision.
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) named Yermak a suspect on May 11 in a scheme involving the laundering of approximately460 million hryvnias(about$10.5 millionor €9-10 million).
Prosecutorsallegehe participated in an organized criminal group that funneled illicit funds- originating from kickbacks at the state nuclear energy companyEnergoatom-through shell companies and fake contracts into the construction of a luxury residential complex (known as “Dynasty”) in the affluent village of Kozyn, south of Kyiv.
The broader “Midas” investigation into Energoatom reportedly uncovered a pattern where contractors paid 10-15% kickbacks to officials to secure or maintain deals. Funds were allegedly laundered between 2021 and 2025 via elite real estate development.
Yermak faces charges under Part 3 of Article 209 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code(legalization of criminally obtained proceeds). A conviction could carry up to 12 years in prison.
After multi-day hearings, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) imposed60 days of pre-trial detentionstarting May 14, with an alternative ofbail setat 140 million hryvnias(roughly$3.2 million). Prosecutors had requested a higher bail of 180 million hryvnias (about $4 million).
Yermak was remanded in custody immediately, though he could secure release if the full bail is posted while the case proceeds. His legal team plans to appeal the ruling.
Yermak has strongly denied all allegations, calling them “groundless” and “baseless.” He stated he owns only one apartment and one car, and has no involvement in the luxury development.
After the hearing, he told reporters: “I don’t have that kind of money, and my lawyer will now work with friends and acquaintances [to raise the money for bail].” He added that he respects the court, has “nothing to hide,” and is proud of his service to Ukraine during the war. He mentioned visiting the front lines weekly and receiving international support, though he said he would not use it to influence the judiciary.
Source: ZeroHedge News
