Full Breakdown
Former Zelensky Aide Andriy Yermak Detained in Expanding Anti-Corruption Probe
5/15/2026, 3:02:58 AM
Arrest and Charges
A Kyiv anti-corruption court ordered pre-trial detention of Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on suspicion of laundering about $10.5 million through a luxury housing project near Kyiv. Bail was set at 140 million hryvnias (?$3.2 million) for a 60-day detention.
Probe Background
The case belongs to the “Midas” operation, a multi-year probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Prosecutors allege a wider $100 million kickback scheme involving the state nuclear firm Energoatom.
Key Figures
Yermak, a former film producer and long-time Zelensky ally, is accused of moving 460 million hryvnias through the development. The investigation also names businessman Timur Mindich and National Security Council head Rustem Umerov as witnesses or suspects.
Timeline
- Nov 2025: Yermak resigns after his home is raided.
- 12 May 2026: He appears in Kyiv court, denies wrongdoing.
- 14 May 2026: High Anti-Corruption Court orders 60-day pre-trial detention and sets bail.
Financial Snapshot
Alleged laundered sum: 460 million hryvnias (~$10.5 million). Bail: 140 million hryvnias (reported as $3.19 million, $3.2 million, €2.72 million, or S$4.05 million). Operation “Midas” has detained five of seven suspects; investigators cite thousands of wiretap hours.
Official Statements & Responses
Anti-graft agencies say Yermak is suspected of joining an organised criminal group that funneled money through the housing project. The court stressed electronic monitoring, travel limits and regular reporting. Zelensky’s office declined comment.
Criticism, Opposition & International Reaction
Opposition lawmaker Iryna Herashchenko linked the scandal to “an unwillingness to count on professionals” during wartime. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Lindsey Graham warned that corruption narratives threaten aid. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that unresolved graft hampers EU accession. Anti-corruption activist Olena Halushka praised the independent work of NABU and SAPO.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact laundered amount ($10.4 million vs $10.5 million) and on bail conversion rates. Some describe the case as “Operation Midas,” others simply “Midas.” No independent verification of alleged wiretap transcripts linking Mindich to the scheme has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t have that kind of money, and my lawyer will now work with friends and acquaintances (to raise the money for bail),” — Andriy Yermak
- “My legal team will file an appeal. We will use every legal avenue to seek justice and the truth.” — Andriy Yermak
- “These institutions were protected by the Ukrainian society and European partners from the political attack last summer, and now we see the tangible results of their activities,” — Olena Halushka, Anti-Corruption Action Centre
- “We acknowledge that Ukraine continues to make progress on this front and we urge the government to refrain from any actions that undermine that progress.” — Senators Jeanne Shaheen & Lindsey Graham
