Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was released Monday on a €2.7 million bail after four days in detention. Yermak had previously stated he could not afford the sum and would rely on friends for help.
Yermak is a suspect in an investigation led by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). The probe centers on a scheme that allegedly laundered up to €9 million between 2021 and 2025 through the construction of a luxury residence complex in Kozyn, an affluent suburb of Kyiv.
Prosecutors allege the funds were funnelled via a corruption scheme linked to the state nuclear monopoly Enerhoatom. The group reportedly planned to build four private mansions, each roughly 1,000 square metres, along with a wellness complex. One of the homes was allegedly intended for Yermak.
If convicted, Yermak faces up to 12 years in prison. He and his lawyer deny the charges, calling them unfounded, and plan to appeal. NABU has said Zelenskyy is not connected to the case.