The Ukrainian anti-corruption agency announced on Friday Searches in the house of Andrii Yermakhe Strong chief of staff For President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that the inspections represent an expansion of a corruption scandal that will have serious consequences for Kiev.
This announcement comes to light at the same time Ukraine is holding talks with the United States About a plan to end the war with Russia. Wermack, 54, is the main negotiator in this operation.
“the Anti-Corruption Authority (NABU) The agency said in a statement, without providing further details, that the Public Prosecution, specialized in combating corruption, is conducting (…) searches at the home of the head of the presidential administration.
Yermak, who has been in office since 2020, two years before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, confirmed these reports.
“NABU and SAP are conducting investigations at my home. Investigators They do not find any obstacles“And I got full access to my apartment,” he said on Telegram.
The official added: “My lawyers are there and interacting with the security forces,” stressing that he would cooperate “fully” with the investigators.
Investigations will be relevant One of the worst corruption scandals That shook the country in recent weeks, and has already caused Dismissal of two ministersAccording to a number of opposition representatives.
The scandal broke in early November when NABU revealed its existence “criminal system” It was organized, according to investigators, by someone close to the president.
The network allowed it, according to the same source Allocating $100 million to the energy sector.
It will be a corruption conspiracy of the highest level that has been planned For at least 15 months in wartime To collect bribes from contractors of the state atomic energy company Energoatom.
The head of the conspiracy, according to investigators, is. Former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky, Timur Mendicwhich Flee the country Before starting records related to the process.
Investigators intercepted a thousand hours of conversations conducted by those allegedly involved, which gradually became known and could feature more prominent figures.
Yermack, a former film producer and intellectual property lawyer, is considered by many to be just that The second most influential man in the countryBehind only President Zelensky.
His influence on the latter raises questions even in the presidential team. His critics, in particular, accuse him of From accumulating too much power.
The raid on Yermak’s residence “means a political scandal in Ukraine Expands“It is a corruption scandal that is strongly shaking the political system in that country,” Dmitry Peskov told Russian public television.
“The consequences are clear,” Peskov estimated It will be very negative But I don’t think at the moment anyone can predict what it will be like.”
“It is a very difficult situation for Ukraine,” he said.