Former Head of Zelenskyy’s Office Remains Under Arrest
World
Andriy Yermak, long regarded as Ukraine's "eminence grise," has been taken into custody. The former Head of the Presidential Office, who once shaped the nation's foreign and domestic policy, is now forced to defend himself against major money laundering charges. While lawyers claim political pressure, the investigation reveals details of a luxury lifestyle in Kozyn that could cost Yermak twelve years of freedom.
A Kyiv court has authorized the arrest of Andriy Yermak, the former Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Once the second most influential person in the state and a key negotiator with the United States, he has been remanded in custody for two months. Bail was set at €2.7 million; however, Yermak stated he does not have such funds and intends to appeal the decision.
The investigation by NABU and SAP focuses on a money laundering scheme involving approximately €9 million between 2021 and 2025. According to investigators, funds were funneled through the construction of an elite cottage community in Kozyn, near Kyiv, with one of the mansions allegedly intended for Yermak personally. The case also names former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and the President's former business partner, Timur Mindich. Yermak categorically denies the allegations, labeling the proceedings "unfounded" and a result of public pressure on anti-corruption agencies.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has so far refrained from making public comments regarding his former closest ally’s case. Despite the high-profile status of the suspect, investigators emphasize that the President himself is not a party to the investigation. Yermak’s resignation last autumn amid corruption suspicions has now materialized into specific criminal charges, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years.
The investigation by NABU and SAP focuses on a money laundering scheme involving approximately €9 million between 2021 and 2025. According to investigators, funds were funneled through the construction of an elite cottage community in Kozyn, near Kyiv, with one of the mansions allegedly intended for Yermak personally. The case also names former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and the President's former business partner, Timur Mindich. Yermak categorically denies the allegations, labeling the proceedings "unfounded" and a result of public pressure on anti-corruption agencies.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has so far refrained from making public comments regarding his former closest ally’s case. Despite the high-profile status of the suspect, investigators emphasize that the President himself is not a party to the investigation. Yermak’s resignation last autumn amid corruption suspicions has now materialized into specific criminal charges, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years.
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