On May 11, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced the discovery of an organized group involved in the laundering of 460 million hryvnias (approximately $12.5 million) related to luxury construction projects near Kyiv. The investigation has led to the identification of a former high-ranking official, specifically the ex-head of the President’s Office, as a suspect.
The charges against this individual fall under Article 209, Part 3 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to money laundering. Ongoing investigative actions are being conducted by NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).
Earlier that evening, sources from the Radio Free Europe project “Schemes” indicated that NABU and SAP were actively conducting searches linked to Andriy Yermak, the former head of the President’s Office. These operations took place in central Kyiv, near the Sports Palace, an area previously highlighted by journalist Mykhailo Tkach for its potential use as a venue for informal meetings.
Reports from the scene indicated that Valentina Grebenyuk, a prosecutor from SAP, was seen entering Yermak’s vehicle, where she remained for approximately ten minutes. Yermak, who continues to maintain a Telegram channel following his departure from office, has not publicly commented on the recent developments.
The investigation, titled “Godfather on Leave,” also examines Yermak’s meetings with presidential advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin and Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Following these revelations, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak from the Holos party claimed to have identified Yermak’s security detail, asserting that they were members of the State Guard Department.
In November 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Yermak’s resignation amid ongoing searches at his office. NABU confirmed the execution of investigative actions on November 28, though details regarding the case were not disclosed at that time. Following his resignation, Yermak stated his intention to head to the front lines and expressed readiness for any consequences, asserting his integrity.
Prior to these events, Zheleznyak had mentioned that Yermak was referred to as “Ali Baba” in NABU’s recordings related to the “Midas” case. This codename was confirmed by Alexander Klymenko, head of SAP, who indicated that “Ali Baba” was implicated in efforts to undermine the independence of NABU and SAP in July 2025, an initiative thwarted by what he described as “cardboard protests.”
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine has revealed an organized crime group involved in laundering significant funds related to elite construction projects. A former high-ranking official is under investigation, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding corruption within Ukrainian governance.