Investigators from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP/SAPO) conducted searches of Andriy Yermak’s home on Friday morning, according to statements from both agencies and reports in Ukrainian media.
Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky and considered one of the most influential figures in government, confirmed that law enforcement officials had been granted access to his residence.
Yermak wrote on Telegram, as cited by Meduza, that the authorities were “conducting procedural actions” and added, “The investigators are not facing any obstacles. They have been given full access to the apartment, and my lawyers are on site, cooperating with law enforcement. I am providing full cooperation.” President Zelensky has not commented publicly.
The search forms part of a widening corruption probe centered on the energy sector. Earlier this month, NABU announced it had uncovered large-scale embezzlement at Energoatom, the operator of Ukraine’s nuclear power stations, involving kickback schemes worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Authorities have named Tymur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky, as the alleged architect and one of the primary beneficiaries. His property was searched on Nov. 10, though he reportedly left for Israel shortly before the raid, in a sign he was clearly tipped off in advance.
The investigation has prompted upheaval at senior levels of government. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk was dismissed, while Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, who previously headed the Energy Ministry until July 2025, was suspended pending further probes. Several suspects were taken into custody, and Zelensky imposed sanctions on Mindich and businessman Alexander Tsukerman, with Tsukerman also currently located in Israel. They are now both wanted in connection with the case.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, described as close to the president, was also arrested.
Rustem Umyerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and a central figure in talks with the United States and Russia, has testified to investigators as a witness. Ukrainian media have reported that Mindich sought to exert influence on Umyerov during his tenure as defense minister, claims Umyerov has denied.
Bild reported that Yermak’s office was also examined as part of related proceedings. The chief of staff was recently appointed to lead Kyiv’s negotiating team with Washington regarding an eventual settlement to the war, a decision that surprised observers as the corruption investigation gathered pace.
Ukrainian press have reported internal discussions over whether Yermak should be dismissed, though at a closed meeting on Nov. 20, Zelensky signaled that he did not intend to remove him.
Notably, Zelensky attempted to take control of NABU before the massive raids on his inner circle. He only backtracked when Europe and the United States sharply criticized the move. Critics have speculated that the power grab on his part may have been a result of him becoming aware investigators were closing in on his associates.
The post Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau searches home of Zelensky chief of staff Andriy Yermak amid ongoing scandal at heart of government appeared first on Remix News.
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