Full Breakdown
Ukraine's Former Chief of Staff Named Suspect in $10.5 Million Corruption Probe
5/12/2026, 8:34:40 AM
Operation Midas Targets Elite Housing Scheme
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor (SAP) announced that Andriy Yermak, former head of the presidential office, is a suspect in a criminal group that laundered roughly $10.5 million through an elite housing development outside Kyiv. The agencies issued a notice of suspicion, a procedural step toward formal charges.
Background: Earlier $100 Million Nuclear Power Scandal and Government Resignations
In November, anti-graft investigators disclosed a $100 million embezzlement scheme at Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power giant, sparking a political crisis. Lawmakers demanded a clean-up, prompting the resignations of the energy and justice ministers and of Yermak after his apartment was searched.
Key Figures
Andriy Yermak, a former film producer and entertainment lawyer, served as President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff and chief negotiator in U.S.-backed peace talks. President Zelensky leads the war effort. Dmytro Lytvyn is Zelensky’s communications adviser. NABU and SAP conduct the probe. A former deputy prime minister, a former business partner and a former energy minister have also been linked to the broader investigation.
Timeline of the Investigation
- November: $100 million nuclear-power embezzlement disclosed.
- December: Yermak resigns after his apartment is searched.
- April: Leaked audio recordings from Operation Midas surface, revealing extensive wiretaps.
- 11 May: NABU and SAP issue a notice of suspicion naming Yermak as suspect.
Data & Statistics
The probe cites a 460 million-hryvnia (?$10.5 million) laundering scheme, 1,000 hours of wiretaps, and the earlier $100 million nuclear-power kickback case.
Official Statements & Responses
NABU and SAP said Yermak is suspected of joining a criminal group that laundered $10.5 million through an elite housing project. President Zelensky asserted that anyone involved in government corruption must be punished. Adviser Dmytro Lytvyn cautioned that procedural actions are ongoing. Yermak denied owning property in the development.
Criticism & Opposition
Lawmakers demanded a comprehensive clean-up of Zelensky’s inner circle, citing public anger over perceived centralized power. International donors expressed concern that corruption could jeopardize billions in defense assistance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Anti-corruption agencies did not name Yermak, yet media identified him, creating a naming discrepancy. Yermak has offered no substantive comment, and formal charges have not yet been filed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “too early to make any assessments,” — Dmytro Lytvyn, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky
- “Zelensky has tried to distance himself from the investigation, saying that anyone engaged in government corruption should be punished.” — President Volodymyr Zelensky
- “luxury construction near Kyiv.” — Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies
- “5 million through an elite housing development outside the capital Kyiv.” — Ukrainian anti-graft agencies
- “The agencies involved — Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor — have said the inquiry had produced 1,000 hours of wiretaps.” — National Anti-Corruption Bureau
What’s Next
Authorities will review the notice of suspicion to decide whether to file formal charges. Parliamentary committees are expected to scrutinize the case, while international partners monitor potential impacts on defense funding and Ukraine’s war effort.
