Andriy Yermak, the former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was released on bail on a €2.7 million bail today (May 18), after four days in custody as part of a major corruption and money laundering investigation.
The bail was paid "from multiple sources," after he had stated on May 13 that he could not personally cover the amount and would rely "on friends for help."
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) are investigating a scheme that allegedly laundered up to 9 million euros in 2021-2025 through the construction of a luxury residential complex in the village of Kozhin, a suburb south of Kiev.
According to prosecutors, the funding was channeled over several years through a corruption network centered around the state-owned nuclear company Enerhoatom.
Authorities estimate that the group planned to build four private villas, each about 1,000 square meters, as well as a shared wellness complex with a spa and swimming pool. The cost of each residence is estimated at several million dollars.
According to complaints from investigative authorities, one of the four houses financed through the suspected corruption network was intended for Yermak.
He and his lawyer deny any involvement, describing the accusations as “baseless.” At the same time, Yermak said he would appeal the court’s decision.
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Service clarified last week that President Volodymyr Zelensky is not connected to the corruption case under investigation.
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