Detectives from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and prosecutors from the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) are conducting searches at Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak. The development became public on the morning of 28 November. NABU confirmed that “the investigative actions are authorized and are being carried out as part of the investigation.”
Searches and First Reactions
According to Ukrainska Pravda, journalists recorded the arrival of NABU detectives in the government district, where Yermak’s residence is located. Yermak stated on Telegram that the procedural actions indeed took place at his home:
“There were no obstacles for investigators. They were granted full access to the apartment, and my lawyers were present and cooperating with law enforcement. I am providing full assistance,” he wrote.
Sources of ZN.UA report that searches may also have been conducted in offices on Bankova Street. The outlet claims that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was informed about preparations to serve Yermak with a notice of suspicion.
Possible Link to the “Midas” Case
The Financial Times reports that the searches may connect to the “Midas” case, a large-scale investigation into businessman Tymur Mindich’s alleged influence over state-owned companies and senior officials.
According to ZN.UA, the so-called “Mindich tapes” may contain conversations in which Yermak is mentioned under the codename “Ali-Baba” and allegedly gives instructions related to pressure on anti-corruption agencies. Journalists also suggest he may have shown interest in property within the elite “Dynasty” cooperative — a housing complex located on the former grounds of the “Sonyachna” resort.
In parallel, NABU and SAPO continue investigating massive corruption within Energoatom. According to anti-corruption authorities, participants in the scheme allegedly received 10–15% kickbacks on contracts, and around $100 million was laundered through shell companies. Euronews describes it as “the largest anti-corruption investigation during wartime.”
Background of the Scandal
Tymur Mindich is a longtime business partner of President Zelenskyy dating back to the “Kvartal 95” studio era. He is suspected of organizing a criminal group, laundering funds, and exerting illegal influence over top officials, including former Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
As part of the ongoing investigation, several senior energy-sector officials have emerged as figures in the case. Amid these developments, Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and former Energy and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko resigned, while an arrest warrant was issued for Mindich. According to media reports, he is currently outside Ukraine.
Political Implications and Risks
Western media, including the Financial Times, note that the scandal raises concerns among Ukraine’s partners, as Kyiv continues to request large-scale financial assistance while corruption probes within the government intensify.
Yermak, according to ZN.UA, has told the president that the scandal was “orchestrated by oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi,” who is currently held in pre-trial detention.
Conclusions
The searches targeting the head of the Presidential Office have become one of NABU’s most high-profile actions in recent years. Despite Yermak’s statements about full cooperation, media sources indicate that he could still face a formal notice of suspicion. Earlier, the heads of Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities informed the President about the investigation, but after their discussion, Zelenskyy appointed Yermak to the Ukrainian negotiating delegation. The final conclusions of the investigation will be crucial not only for Ukrainian politics but also for the trust of international partners, as the “Midas” case has already become a test of Ukraine’s commitment to fighting corruption during wartime.
