Anti-corruption authorities in Ukraine have conducted raids on the home and offices of President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, as part of a major investigation into a $100 million embezzlement scheme.
The Raids and Immediate Response
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) carried out searches on Friday 28 November 2025. Yermak, frequently described as Zelensky's right-hand man, promptly declared his full cooperation with the investigation.
The former film producer communicated via Telegram, stating that investigators faced "no obstacles" during their work. He confirmed his legal team was present on-site and that he had granted law enforcement complete access to his apartment, emphasising his commitment to transparency.
Operation Midas: The $100m Embezzlement Scheme
This probe, codenamed Operation Midas, is a 15-month investigation that has uncovered a sophisticated corruption network. The scheme allegedly revolved around the state nuclear power company, Energoatom.
Authorities accuse the group at the centre of the scandal of extracting kickbacks worth 10 to 15 per cent of contract values. They are believed to have laundered the enormous sums through a secret office located in Kyiv. The investigation involved over 1,000 hours of wiretapping and led to more than 70 raids.
So far, eight individuals have been formally accused of crimes including bribery, abuse of office, and possession of disproportionate assets. The alleged ringleader, Ukrainian-Israeli entrepreneur Tymur Mindich, has fled the country. Notably, Mindich was previously a co-owner of a production company that helped launch President Zelensky's comedy career.
Political Fallout and International Repercussions
The scandal has triggered significant political consequences within Ukraine and drawn sharp international attention. The controversy sparked the first street protests in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In response, President Zelensky demanded the dismissal of both the justice and energy ministers, who subsequently resigned earlier this month. The situation has also prompted European leaders to seek reassurances. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz explicitly stated that Europe expects Ukraine to continue its anti-corruption measures and reforms.
The timing of this scandal is particularly delicate, as it emerges during crucial US-brokered peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Andriy Yermak has been a central figure in these talks. The investigation casts a shadow over these discussions, which have seen President Donald Trump propose a 28-point peace plan criticised as pro-Russian, and Europe counter with its own amendments.
Furthermore, NABU and SAP have confirmed that two additional investigations are underway, focusing on allegations of inflated military procurement contracts. Raids on the defence ministry are anticipated in the coming days.
