The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has ordered the detention of Andriy Yermak, the former head of the President’s Office, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged laundering of 460 million UAH linked to luxury construction projects near Kyiv. The court set bail at 140 million UAH, a lower amount than the prosecution’s request of 180 million UAH.
Yermak’s detention comes after the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) initiated proceedings against him, citing concerns that he possesses sufficient resources to evade justice both domestically and abroad. Prosecutor Valentina Grebenyuk noted that Yermak currently holds four diplomatic passports, with the most recent valid until 2030.
During a court session on May 13, Yermak denied the allegations, stating he could not afford the 180 million UAH bail proposed by the prosecution. His defense team argued that the bail amount should be within legal limits and requested that Yermak’s movement within Ukraine not be restricted, as it could hinder his ability to practice law.
The investigation, which began on May 12, focuses on a criminal group accused of laundering funds through the construction of a luxury housing complex in Kozyn, a village in the Kyiv region. The project involves the development of four private residences and a shared spa facility on approximately eight hectares of land.
In addition to Yermak, six other individuals are implicated in the case, including a former Deputy Prime Minister and a businessman identified as a leader of the criminal organization uncovered in a November 2025 operation dubbed “Midas.”
Yermak’s attorney, Ihor Fomin, has publicly denied any involvement by his client in the alleged money laundering, suggesting that the charges are a result of public pressure. He emphasized that the situation is unfounded and politically motivated.
In November 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Yermak’s resignation amid ongoing investigations, which included a search of Yermak’s office. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) confirmed the search but did not disclose specific details regarding the case.
Following his resignation, Yermak stated his intention to join the front lines and expressed readiness to face any consequences, asserting his integrity and honesty. Additionally, it was revealed that he was referenced in NABU recordings related to the Midas investigation under the codename “Ali Baba.”
According to Alexander Klimenko, the head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, this alias was involved in directing efforts to undermine NABU detectives and may have been linked to attempts to compromise the independence of the National Bank of Ukraine and SAP in July 2025.
Andriy Yermak, former chief of the Ukrainian President's Office, has been detained on charges of money laundering linked to luxury construction projects. The court set bail at 140 million UAH, amid concerns he could evade justice due to his possession of multiple diplomatic passports.