Ukraine’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign escalated on Friday as investigators carried out searches at locations linked to Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in connection with the country’s largest corruption investigation since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) confirmed via Telegram that its agents, together with the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), executed a series of raids at properties associated with Yermak as part of an ongoing probe involving the state nuclear energy operator, Energoatom. While NABU did not specify Yermak’s legal status, the move marks a significant expansion of a high-profile investigation gripping Kyiv’s political landscape.

Yermak acknowledged that his residence had been searched, emphasizing his cooperation with investigators.

“Today, NABU and SAPO are indeed conducting procedural actions at my home,” he said on Telegram. “The investigators are facing no obstacles. They have been given full access to the apartment, and my lawyers are on site. I am providing full cooperation.”

Ukrainian media reported that searches also took place at his Kyiv office. The President’s Office has not issued an official comment regarding the developments.

The investigation centers on an elaborate bribery and money-laundering network allegedly embedded within Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear operator. According to NABU, officials and outside intermediaries collected kickbacks of 10–15% from contractors—including firms tasked with constructing defensive fortifications intended to protect energy infrastructure from Russian missile and drone strikes.

Authorities say the operation laundered approximately $100 million over a period of at least 15 months. Investigators have compiled more than 1,000 hours of audio recordings documenting the network’s activities, and eight individuals have already been charged.

The alleged mastermind, businessman Timur Mindich—an ex-associate of President Zelenskyy—has been sanctioned by Ukrainian authorities as the case widens.

The Energoatom probe has triggered significant political consequences. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk resigned earlier this week, followed by former energy minister Herman Halushchenko, who had recently been serving as justice minister.

Ukrainian outlets describe the Energoatom corruption scandal as the most far-reaching since the Russian invasion began in 2022, with implications that could reshape the country’s wartime governance and its commitments to transparency—key demands from Western partners.

In response to the revelations, the Ukrainian government announced a full-scale anti-corruption audit across all state-owned enterprises, signaling that further investigations may follow.

Despite calls from certain political figures and anti-corruption activists for Yermak’s dismissal, President Zelenskyy has thus far maintained his support for his top aide. Yermak recently headed Ukraine’s delegation during U.S.–Ukraine talks in Switzerland, where discussions followed Washington’s unveiling of a contested peace proposal.

With NABU indicating that additional legal steps are forthcoming, the investigation is expected to intensify in the coming days, leaving open questions about potential political repercussions at the highest levels of Ukraine’s leadership. (ILKHA)