Andriy Yermak, the former head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, appeared in the High Anti-Corruption Court today as proceedings commenced to determine his preventive measure amid serious allegations of corruption. This marks the second day of hearings, with parts of the session being held behind closed doors at the request of involved parties.
The court began deliberations on May 12 regarding Yermak’s case, which involves accusations of laundering 460 million hryvnias linked to elite construction projects near Kyiv. Prosecutors are seeking to impose a preventive measure of detention, with the option for bail set at 180 million hryvnias.
Valentina Grebenyuk, a prosecutor from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), argued for Yermak’s detention, citing his substantial resources that could facilitate his escape both within Ukraine and abroad. Reports indicate that Yermak currently holds four diplomatic passports, with the most recent one valid until 2030.
Yermak has dismissed the charges against him as baseless. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced on the evening of May 11 that it had uncovered an organized group involved in the laundering of funds for luxury construction in the Kyiv region. Investigators allege that between 2021 and 2025, the group laundered over 460 million hryvnias through the development of a cottage community in Kozyn, which included four private residences and a communal spa facility.
In addition to Yermak, six others are implicated in the case, including a former deputy prime minister and a businessman linked to a criminal organization exposed during a special operation in November 2025.
Yermak’s attorney, Igor Fomin, has publicly refuted any connection between his client and the alleged money laundering, suggesting that the situation has been exacerbated by public pressure.
In November 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Yermak’s resignation, which followed a search of his office by law enforcement. The NABU confirmed the investigative actions but did not disclose specific details regarding the case.
Following his resignation, Yermak expressed his intention to join the front lines, asserting his readiness for any consequences and maintaining his stance as an honest individual.
Earlier, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak revealed that Yermak was referred to as “Ali Baba” in NABU recordings related to the Midas case. This codename was confirmed by Alexander Klymenko, head of the SAP, who stated that “Ali Baba” was involved in efforts to undermine NABU detectives and attempted to compromise the independence of the National Bank of Ukraine and SAP in July 2025, thwarted only by what he described as “token protests.”
Andriy Yermak, former head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, is facing serious corruption allegations linked to a luxury construction project. As court proceedings unfold, Yermak maintains his innocence, while prosecutors push for significant bail conditions due to concerns over potential flight risk.