Ex-Presidential Office Head Yermak Faces Arrest, Insists Justice Must Be Independent

Andriy Yermak’s Statement on Judicial Independence

According to Главком: Before a court hearing on a preventive measure, former Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak declared that the judiciary must remain independent. He specifically stated:

“It is crucial for justice to be independent, free from external influence. I want to set an example by showing that I do not exploit such influence” - Andriy Yermak.

On May 11, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) formally charged Yermak with laundering over 460 million hryvnias in connection with a construction project in Kozyn, near Kyiv.

Charges and Financial Schemes

The day after the charges were announced, six more individuals received similar accusations. Among them are former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and businessman Tymur Mindich. According to investigators, the money laundering scheme operated from 2021 to 2025. Authorities have determined that the laundered amount exceeds 460 million hryvnias, and the construction site covers approximately 8 hectares in the Kyiv region.

Part of the funds-around $9 million-passed through a money laundering operation controlled by the future owner of one of the properties. Additionally, the financing may have come from corrupt schemes within the state-owned company Energoatom, which are also under investigation in the Midas case. SAPO has already announced it will ask the court to remand Yermak in custody, with an alternative bail set at 180 million hryvnias. Former intelligence officer Roman Chervinsky was also present at the courthouse before the hearing.

When asked about possible political motives behind the case, Yermak declined to comment for now. This report is based on information from Glavcom, citing Ukrinform.

This case marks a significant step in Ukraine’s fight against corruption, as the accused hold high-ranking positions in the state. Yermak’s statements about judicial independence highlight his efforts to defend his reputation amid serious allegations. The unfolding situation could affect the country’s political stability and spark public debate over the transparency of legal proceedings.

In light of the recent developments surrounding Andriy Yermak, it's essential to examine the broader implications of the ongoing investigation. The case, which involves significant allegations of financial misconduct, has drawn attention to elite construction projects in the Kyiv region. For a deeper understanding of these serious accusations and their potential impact, read more about the elite construction case involving 460 million UAH.