Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities have launched a new criminal investigation into former presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak over allegations linked to a large-scale money laundering scheme involving luxury real estate projects near Kyiv.
The case, announced by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), centers on an alleged operation that investigators say laundered approximately 460 million hryvnias — around $10 million — through an elite residential construction development.
The scandal marks another major controversy surrounding the inner circle of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a time when Kyiv is attempting to strengthen ties with the European Union while under intense international scrutiny over corruption reforms.
Anti-Corruption Agencies Name Yermak as Suspect
According to statements released by NABU and SAPO, Yermak is suspected of violating Article 209 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which relates to the legalization and laundering of illegally obtained assets.
Investigators claim the former official was part of a criminal group involved in channeling illicit funds through a high-end housing project outside Kyiv. Ukrainian media outlets reported that Yermak was subjected to “investigative procedures” earlier this week as authorities expanded the probe.
Although prosecutors have not yet formally charged him, anti-corruption officials confirmed that the investigation remains active and could widen further.
Yermak has strongly denied all allegations.
In comments to journalists, the former presidential aide rejected claims that he had any connection to the “Dinastia” luxury development project and denied participating in conversations allegedly captured in surveillance recordings tied to the case.
Former Zelensky Ally Once Seen as Ukraine’s “Grey Cardinal”
For years, Yermak was regarded as one of the most powerful figures inside the Ukrainian government. Often described by political observers as the “grey cardinal” behind Zelenskyy’s administration, he played a central role in diplomatic negotiations, including talks with the United States and Western allies during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Yermak resigned from his position in November 2025 after Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies raided several properties connected to him as part of a broader investigation into alleged corruption within Zelenskyy’s inner circle.
At the time, investigators were examining claims tied to a separate $100 million graft scheme involving businessman Timur Mindich, a longtime associate of Zelenskyy and former business partner.
Despite leaving office, Ukrainian reports later suggested Yermak continued to maintain significant informal influence within the presidential administration, allegedly speaking with Zelenskyy regularly and meeting him privately at his residence.
Luxury Real Estate Project Under Scrutiny
Authorities believe the money laundering scheme may have involved several senior officials and business associates connected to the luxury real estate sector.
Among those reportedly implicated is former Deputy Prime Minister and ex-national unity minister Oleksii Chernyshov. Investigators allege that Chernyshov’s wife co-owned a construction company allegedly used in the operation.
Ukraine’s current National Security and Defense Council head, Rustem Umerov, has also reportedly been questioned as a witness in relation to the project, though no accusations against him have been publicly announced.
The case has widened into broader investigations involving alleged corruption in Ukraine’s energy industry and military procurement programs, including contracts for drones and defense equipment.
“Mindich Tapes” Add Fuel to Political Crisis
The investigation intensified after Ukrainian outlet Ukrainskaya Pravda published what it described as leaked surveillance transcripts involving Timur Mindich, government officials, and business associates.
The recordings — now widely referred to as the “Mindich tapes” — allegedly included discussions related to luxury construction developments tied to both Mindich and Yermak.
One conversation reportedly involved a woman identified as Natalia, described as overseeing a luxury property project connected to the two men.
However, the leaked recordings have not been independently verified by authorities, and Yermak has denied appearing in any of the alleged conversations.
Pressure Mounts on Ukraine’s EU Ambitions
The corruption investigation comes at a politically sensitive moment for Ukraine as the country pushes for deeper integration with the European Union.
Brussels has repeatedly emphasized anti-corruption reforms as a key requirement for Ukraine’s long-term EU membership aspirations. Western governments providing military and financial aid to Kyiv have also increased pressure on Ukrainian authorities to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
While anti-corruption agencies clarified that President Zelenskyy himself is not a suspect in the investigation, the growing scandal surrounding several former senior officials could create new political difficulties for his administration.
Analysts say the case could become one of the most significant anti-corruption investigations in Ukraine since the beginning of the war with Russia, particularly because it involves individuals once considered among the most influential figures in the country’s leadership.
