Former Zelensky staff chief suspected in a major corruption probe

The former head of Ukraine's presidential staff, Andri Yermak, has been named as a suspect in a major corruption probe led by the Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).

In a joint statement, agencies said investigators have discovered an organised group that allegedly cleared about 9m euros (460m hryvnia) between 2021 and 2025 through a luxury property development project near Kiev.

The former head of the Ukraine President's Office has been reported as suspect”, the statement said. Yermak was a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky before being dismissed earlier this year.

Although the agencies did not officially identify Yermak, in line with Ukrainian legal practice, Ukrainian media widely reported that he was the person who referred to the announcement.

NABU and SAPO said six more people were reported as suspects Tuesday and that the investigation remains under way.

Speaking to reporters in Kiev, Yermak refused to comment in detail, saying he will wait until the investigation is completed.

Dmytro Lytvyn, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said it was the “too early to assess the procedural actions that are still under way”.

The move does not yet constitute formal standing up of the indictment against Yermak, who resigned from office in November.

He had previously served as Ukraine's chief negotiator in talks with the United States and left the post amid mounting pressure related to the anti-corruption investigation ? one of the biggest political challenges the Zelensky administration has faced since Ukraine's full invasion of Russia.

Although Zelensky himself has not been involved, the investigation has overshadowed his administration, as some influential figures, linked to the president, have been involved in investigations.

What's the investigation for?

NABU and SAPO claim that about 9m euros have been channeled over the years through a network of shell companies, cash transactions and cross-border financial documents.

Law enforcement watchdogs claim the group was planning to build four private villas, each about 1,000 square metres, along with a joint relief complex involving spa and swimming pools. The estimated cost of each residence amounts to millions of dollars.

The investigation dates back to 2018 and is part of a broader probe into high-level corruption, first discovered in November last year, when a former Zelensky business partner was charged with running a $100m bribe scheme at the state Atomic Agency.

A former deputy prime minister and close associate of Zelensky were also charged as part of the investigation. Investigations continue.