Andriy Yermak, the former head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, publicly refuted allegations against him regarding the laundering of 460 million hryvnias tied to luxury construction projects near Kyiv. In a statement on May 12, Yermak described the charges as unfounded and asserted his commitment to legal proceedings to defend his reputation.
Yermak, who has over three decades of legal experience, expressed that he would work with his attorneys to review the case materials. He emphasized his openness to all procedural actions, marking his first update on social media since May 8. He also claimed that there has been unprecedented public pressure on law enforcement to bring charges against him, though he did not specify the sources of this pressure.
The High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) is set to continue hearings on May 13 regarding the preventive measures for Yermak. The court had previously paused proceedings after the prosecution requested that Yermak be remanded in custody, with an alternative bail set at 180 million hryvnias. The defense requested additional time to familiarize themselves with the extensive case documents, which reportedly consist of 16 volumes averaging 250 pages each.
During the court session, prosecutor Valentina Grebenyuk argued for Yermak’s detention, citing his potential resources to evade justice both domestically and internationally. She noted that Yermak currently holds four diplomatic passports, the latest of which is valid until 2030.
On May 11, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced the dismantling of an organized group involved in the laundering operation linked to the luxury construction project in Kozyn, Kyiv region. The investigation revealed that from 2021 to 2025, the suspects allegedly laundered over 460 million hryvnias through the development of a cottage community on approximately 8 hectares, which included multiple private residences and a communal spa area.
Yermak was identified as one of the key suspects, alongside six others, including a former deputy prime minister and a businessman implicated in the criminal organization exposed in a November 2025 operation named “Midas.” Following the charges, Yermak refrained from commenting extensively, stating only that he owns a single apartment and a car.
Yermak’s attorney, Igor Fomin, has denied any involvement of his client in the alleged money laundering scheme, suggesting that the situation is a result of public pressure.
In November 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Yermak had submitted his resignation amid an ongoing investigation. The NABU had conducted searches at Yermak’s office, although specific details were not disclosed. Following his resignation, Yermak expressed his readiness to face any consequences and reiterated his integrity.
Earlier, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak mentioned that Yermak was referred to as “Ali Baba” in NABU recordings related to the “Midas” case. The head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, Oleksandr Klymenko, confirmed the existence of this codename, indicating that Yermak was involved in directing actions against NABU detectives and attempting to undermine the independence of the National Bank of Ukraine and the SAP in July 2025.
Andriy Yermak, former head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, has denied allegations of money laundering related to luxury construction projects. As investigations proceed, he asserts the charges are unfounded and claims to be under public pressure.