Full Breakdown
Former Ukrainian Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak Named Suspect in Money-Laundering Probe
5/13/2026, 1:35:39 AM
Suspect Designation and Court Appearance
On 12 May 2026, Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, appeared in a Kyiv court after NABU and SAPO named him a suspect in a money-laundering case. Prosecutors requested preventive detention or bail of about $4 million. Yermak said he would comment after the investigation.
Operation Midas and the Dynastia Housing Project
The case falls under “Operation Midas,” launched in late 2025 to probe an alleged $100 million kickback scheme at nuclear firm Energoatom. Investigators allege funds were channeled into the “Dynastia” housing project near Kyiv, laundering 460 million hryvnias (? $10.5 million) through shell companies, cash payments and falsified documents, and that contracts involved protective installations for energy sites.
Timeline
November 2025 – anti-corruption raid on Yermak’s Kyiv flat and his resignation.
11 May 2026 – NABU and SAPO name Yermak a suspect and identify six others.
12 May 2026 – Yermak appears in court; a wire-tap excerpt is released.
13 May 2026 – officials note no formal charges.
Key Actors
Andriy Yermak, former presidential chief of staff, is the primary suspect. President Volodymyr Zelensky is excluded. Dmytro Lytvyn is Zelensky’s communications adviser. Ihor Fomin is Yermak’s lawyer. NABU chief Semen Kryvonos and SAPO lead the investigation. Analysts Volodymyr Fesenko and Yevhen Mahda have commented.
Implications for EU Accession
EU accession requires demonstrable anti-corruption progress. The Yermak case heightens scrutiny of the president’s circle and revives debate over NABU and SAPO’s independence, previously threatened by legislative proposals. Persistent public concern about graft remains a major obstacle.
Official Statements and Responses
NABU and SAPO jointly confirmed Yermak’s suspect status and listed six other suspects. NABU chief Semen Kryvonos said President Zelensky is not under pre-trial investigation. Dmytro Lytvyn called the case “early to draw conclusions.” Yermak’s lawyer Ihor Fomin called the allegations “baseless” and blamed public pressure.
Criticism and Opposition
Analyst Volodymyr Fesenko warned that Yermak’s close partnership with Zelensky could transfer reputational damage to the presidency, calling them “almost a single entity.” Yevhen Mahda noted Yermak was never elected, making Zelensky ultimately responsible for his appointment.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Some sources say Yermak has been formally charged; others say only a suspicion notice exists with no indictment. The exact money-flow mechanism—shell companies alone or also cash—remains unverified pending full investigative disclosure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I do not have any house, I only have one flat and one car” — Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff
- “When the investigative actions are over, I will provide a comment,” — Andriy Yermak
- “In my view, this entire situation has been provoked by public pressure,” — Ihor Fomin, defence lawyer
- “They've become fused together” — Volodymyr Fesenko, Penta Center director
What’s Next
The Kyiv court will decide on preventive detention or bail in the coming weeks. Prosecutors say a decision on formal charges may take months. The result is likely to affect Ukraine’s anti-corruption agenda and EU accession timeline.
