Ukraine Names Former President's Chief of Staff in $10.5 Million Money‑Laundering Probe
Ukraine's National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor's Office announced on May 11 that Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is a suspect in a money‑laundering scheme involving approximately 460 million hryvnias (about $10.5 million). The investigation alleges that Yermak facilitated the movement of illicit funds through a network of shell companies and offshore accounts.
The probe follows a series of high‑profile anti‑corruption drives since the 2022 Russian invasion, as Ukraine seeks to bolster transparency and secure international financial assistance. Yermak, who played a pivotal role in shaping Ukraine's wartime diplomacy, stepped down from the presidential office in early 2026, citing personal reasons.
NABU officials stated, "The evidence indicates that the suspect abused his official position to orchestrate complex financial transactions that concealed the true source of funds." The prosecutor's office added that the investigation remains ongoing, with assets amounting to $5 million already frozen across multiple jurisdictions.
Analysts view the case as a litmus test for Ukraine's judicial independence. International watchdog Transparency International lauded the move but cautioned that due process must be upheld to avoid politicization. Former finance minister Oleksandr Danylyuk remarked that "bringing powerful figures to account is essential for Ukraine's credibility with donors and investors."
The court is expected to issue an indictment within the next month. The investigation may also trigger broader scrutiny of other senior officials and could influence forthcoming reforms in Ukraine's anti‑corruption framework, especially as the nation prepares for the 2027 parliamentary elections.