Press Briefing on the 'Midas' Case
In a press conference held in Kyiv, Semen Kryvonos, Director of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), and Oleksandr Klymenko, head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), provided updates on Operation 'Midas.' This case involves the alleged laundering of 460 million hryvnias linked to the elite 'Dynastia' residential complex near Kyiv. During the briefing, authorities announced formal suspicions against Yermak and six other individuals allegedly involved in the scheme.
Oleksandr Klymenko stated that prosecutors will request a pre-trial detention measure for Yermak, with an alternative bail set at 180 million hryvnias (approximately $4.3 million). The final decision on the preventive measure will be made by the High Anti-Corruption Court. Other suspects in the 'Midas' case include former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and businessman Tymur Mindich. This development marks a significant step in Ukraine's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, particularly given the high-profile nature of those implicated.
Comments and Significance of the Case
During the briefing, Semen Kryvonos clarified that:
'The President of Ukraine has not been and is not involved in this pre-trial investigation. That is the first point. Other investigative versions regarding the ownership of certain assets are being verified as part of the pre-trial investigation. It is ongoing.'
— Semen Kryvonos
He also noted that Rustem Umerov holds witness status in a separate proceeding concerning drone manufacturers, adding that 'Mr. Umerov's actions have been checked. Yes, he has been questioned.'
Oleksandr Klymenko emphasized the importance of gathering sufficient evidence before issuing a formal suspicion, stating that:
'when the collected evidence is deemed sufficient by both detectives and prosecutors, then the suspicion is served.'
— Oleksandr Klymenko
He further stressed that 'it is a manipulation to claim that fighting corruption harms the country. Fighting corruption does not harm the state in any way. NABU and SAPO detectives are not conducting any active operations at production sites as part of the Midas case.'
Kryvonos added that 'the creation of manipulations around this pre-trial investigation, which we see from certain political forces or other participants in the proceedings, also hinders the work.' The briefing followed searches carried out on November 28, 2025, as part of the 'Midas' case, which continues to be a hot topic in Ukrainian society.
This case is crucial for understanding the current state of anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, especially amid numerous allegations against high-ranking officials. The response from NABU and SAPO signals their readiness to act independently of political pressures, which could strengthen public trust in anti-corruption institutions. The continuation of the investigation and potential arrests of senior officials may significantly impact Ukraine's political landscape and perceptions of its anti-corruption policies.
The developments surrounding the 'Midas' case have raised significant concerns regarding corruption at high levels of government. For a deeper understanding of the legal implications and the ongoing efforts by NABU to address these issues, you can read more about their request for Yermak's arrest or bail in this detailed report.