The High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine has commenced hearings regarding the former head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, who is facing allegations linked to the legalization of 460 million UAH in an elite construction project near Kyiv.
Upon arriving at the court, Yermak expressed his expectation for a “fair and honest trial.” When questioned about the potential influence of the President’s Office on the judicial process following his dismissal, he refrained from commenting on what he termed “media campaign insinuations.”
During the session, the court determined that no preventive measures would be imposed on Yermak at this time; instead, a portion of the prosecution’s evidence will be reviewed. However, a decision on any preventive measures must be made within 72 hours following the announcement of the charges.
Yermak’s attorney, Ihor Fomin, indicated that the case comprises 16 volumes, each containing 250 pages, making it challenging for the defense team to review the materials in their entirety. Consequently, they have requested a postponement of the proceedings. The prosecutor also noted that certain evidence cannot be disclosed in an open court setting.
During the hearing, the prosecution revealed that Yermak’s father, Boris Yermak, had been authorized in the construction project known as “Dynasty” from July 2020 until August 2022, a claim supported by chat records. Following August 2022, another individual took over the project.
Additionally, it was disclosed that the construction project was referred to by associates as “Big Construction.”
Background information includes that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) conducted investigative actions involving Yermak on May 11. Subsequently, he was charged with the legalization of 460 million UAH during the construction of the elite cottage community “Dynasty” in Kozyn, Kyiv region. The investigation suggests that funding for the project may have originated from corrupt schemes within the state enterprise “Energoatom.” The prosecution is seeking a preventive measure of detention for Yermak, with an alternative option of a bail set at 180 million UAH.
The High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine has begun hearings for Andriy Yermak, former head of the President's Office, regarding allegations of corruption tied to a significant construction project. The court's proceedings will continue as the prosecution presents evidence against him.