KEY FINDINGS FROM THE ANDRIY YERMAK NOTICE OF SUSPICION AND COURT HEARING 

Executive summary 

On 11 May 2026, NABU and SAPO notified former Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak of suspicion for laundering property obtained through criminal means on an especially large scale as part of Tymur Mindich’s criminal organization, marking a continuation of Operation “Midas”, first disclosed in November 2025.

On 12 May 2026, the court began considering SAPO’s motion to place Yermak in pre-trial detention with an alternative bail of UAH 180 million. The hearing will continue on 13 May 2026.

Although the proceedings are ongoing, the prosecution has already alleged that Yermak retained influence over the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the National Security and Defense Council, and other state institutions, while exercising decisive influence over senior appointments in 2020–2025 and pressuring participants in the criminal proceedings.

Considering Andriy Yermak’s continued influence and the nature of the alleged offenses, detention in custody appears to be the most appropriate preventive measure. 

1. Key allegations against Andriy Yermak 

1. According to the prosecution, Andriy Yermak joined Tymur Mindich’s criminal organization as early as 2020. NABU and SAPO state that the investigation collected sufficient evidence indicating that Yermak, acting together with other participants, was involved in:

• Securing financing for the construction of the “Dynastia” cottage community using funds obtained through unlawful means;
• Facilitating the activities of Mindich’s criminal organization;
• Involving other individuals in the commission of crimes;
• Taking other measures aimed at advancing the objectives of the criminal organization. 

2. To personally oversee the pace of construction of the cottages financed with funds obtained through criminal activity, Andriy Yermak allegedly delegated trusted associates, including his own father. 
3. Members of the criminal organization allegedly employed various measures of conspiracy aimed at hiding their criminal activities, including: 

• The use of multiple aliases and code names, including “R2” (the serial number of the cottage), “LL,” and “Surgeon” in reference to Andriy Yermak;
• Arranging anonymous visits by Yermak to the construction sites;
• Using cash in foreign currency and affiliated legal entities to finance the construction works;
• Attempting to re-register land plots and houses through several stages in order to avoid seizure of the assets.

In addition, an expert involved in the criminal proceedings was allegedly subjected to pressure from unidentified individuals, including threats and an attempted intrusion into her office and vehicle. 

2. Yermak’s Influence After His Dismissal Revealed 

1. Influence of Andriy Yermak During His Tenure as Head of the Presidential Office 

Throughout his entire tenure as Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, the extensive influence of Andriy Yermak remained a subject of concern for civil society, which repeatedly warned about the risks of institutional erosion caused by entrenched nepotism. 

During the court hearing, the prosecution disclosed information indicating that the Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, discussed with unidentified individuals the appointments of former Prosecutors General Andriy Kostin and Iryna Venediktova, as well as the Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Minister of Health of Ukraine.

Moreover, it is particularly indicative that these decisions were allegedly made on the basis of astrological forecasts linked to the candidates’ dates of birth and their personal loyalty, rather than their professional qualifications.

2. Influence Retained by Andriy Yermak After His Dismissal 

Andriy Yermak allegedly retained significant influence even after his dismissal from office. Information concerning his border crossings and vehicle reportedly became inaccessible through state registries.

During searches connected to Yermak’s driver, investigators allegedly discovered plans concerning personnel appointments within the SSU, as well as records stating that the SBI, OPG, SSU, NSDC, and the Ministry of Finance were fully loyal to Yermak. Investigators also disclosed that, on 10 December 2025, Yermak’s driver allegedly met covertly with the First Deputy Head of the SSU, Andriy Poklad, with whom he maintained informal relations.

3. Further Developments in the Case 

1. On 13 May 2026, the court is expected to decide on a preventive measure against Andriy Yermak that will be sufficient to prevent him from exerting unlawful influence over participants in the criminal proceedings. 
2. It is likely that the bail for Andriy Yermak will be posted by third parties using funds of illegal origin, as allegedly occurred in the cases of Oleksii Chernyshov and Herman Halushchenko. 
3. State bodies loyal to Andriy Yermak, including the SSU, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Office of the Prosecutor General, may resume exerting pressure on NABU and SAPO. 
4. A separate issue concerns the activities of Parliament, in particular the Vlasenko–Buzhanskyi Temporary Investigative Commission, which is currently examining the activities of the HACC, SAPO, and NABU. Members of Parliament may once again use their mandates to exert pressure on the anti-corruption sector. 

Anti-Corruption Centre MEZHA will continue to independently monitor this case and the related developments, while keeping partners regularly informed of further findings and risks.