Andriy Yermak, the former head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, has secured bail totaling approximately 14.5 million hryvnias (around $390,000) amid serious corruption allegations. This bail was provided by three individuals, with contributions ranging from 666 hryvnias to 8 million hryvnias.
On May 14, the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine ordered Yermak to be held in custody, allowing for bail set at 140 million hryvnias. The largest single contribution came from Roza Tapanova, the director of the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve, who donated 8 million hryvnias. Tapanova has previous ties to Yermak, having worked as a lawyer for a firm associated with him, and reportedly received an appointment to the supervisory board of the state-owned Oschadbank after he took office.
In a Facebook post made on May 14, which was visible only to friends, Tapanova expressed her intention to contribute the bail from her official income to ensure Yermak’s constitutional right to defense. As of now, she has not responded to media inquiries regarding her decision.
Another significant contributor was Serhiy Syvryba, who donated 6.5 million hryvnias. Syvryba is an attorney and former partner at the Asters law firm. His wife, Inna Syvryba, was set to become a member of the Ukrainian Parliament in March 2025 but declined the mandate. Reports indicate that he and Yermak were classmates, though he has not commented on his bail contribution.
The smallest contribution of 666 hryvnias came from Hryhoriy Hryshkan, a Ukrainian actor and producer. He has not provided a public explanation for his decision but indicated a willingness to discuss his actions and the future of Ukraine.
On May 11, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced the discovery of an organized group involved in laundering 460 million hryvnias through luxury construction projects near Kyiv. The investigation alleges that, between 2021 and 2025, this group laundered funds through the construction of a residential area in Kozyn, which included four private residences and a shared spa facility. Yermak is among those suspected in this case.
Yermak has publicly denied the allegations against him, claiming they are unfounded. The High Anti-Corruption Court began proceedings on May 12 to determine the appropriate preventive measures for him, as he faces serious charges related to the laundering of significant sums.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Valentina Grebenyuk argued for Yermak’s detention, citing his potential flight risk due to his access to multiple diplomatic passports, the most recent of which is valid until 2030. Yermak’s defense team requested a bail amount consistent with legal provisions and argued against restrictions on his movement within Ukraine, asserting that such limitations could adversely affect his legal practice.
Andriy Yermak, former head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, has secured bail amid serious corruption allegations involving significant sums of money. Key figures have contributed to his bail, while Yermak maintains that the accusations are unfounded.