The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has announced charges against a former high-ranking official, linked to a scheme involving the laundering of 460 million UAH through elite construction projects near Kyiv. This development marks a significant step in ongoing investigations into corruption in the country.
According to NABU, the charges fall under Article 209, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to the legalization of assets obtained through criminal means. Investigative actions are currently underway, and the agency has not disclosed the name of the individual involved, although reports suggest it may be Andriy Yermak, the former head of the President’s Office.
In 2018, a figure referred to as “Che Guevara”—allegedly Alexei Chernyshov—became a founding member of a company called BLOM DEVELOPMENT. This company acquired over 4 hectares of land from the Kozyn Village Council in Kyiv Oblast, laying the groundwork for future construction.
Later that year, Chernyshov was appointed head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration, during which he transferred part of the company’s capital to his wife. By May 2020, plans emerged for constructing private residences named “Dynasty” on the acquired land, with estimated costs exceeding 6 million USD.
In June 2020, another participant in the project, referred to as “Carlson”—identified as Timur Mindich—joined the construction efforts alongside Yermak. The project aimed to build four private residences, each approximately 1,000 square meters, along with a fifth residence featuring shared amenities like a spa and gym. The estimated cost for each residence was around 2 million USD.
As construction ramped up in June 2021, the involved parties reportedly sought to launder nearly 9 million USD obtained through various illicit means, including corruption schemes linked to Energoatom, according to NABU.
Following media scrutiny, project owners attempted to shield the land and unfinished structures from potential seizure. However, the High Anti-Corruption Court approved NABU’s request to impose restrictions on the properties involved.
Background
Andriy Yermak resigned from his position as head of the President’s Office in November 2025 amid ongoing investigations into a major corruption scheme known as “Midas” in the energy sector. Following his resignation, he expressed his grievances in an interview, claiming he was unjustly vilified and stated his intention to serve at the front lines.
Yermak has since taken on a role within the National Association of Lawyers of Ukraine, leading one of its committees.
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The NABU has charged a former official with laundering significant funds through luxury construction projects in Kyiv. Ongoing investigations reveal connections to broader corruption schemes within Ukraine's energy sector.