Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and once considered the country's "second-in-command," was formally released on Monday morning after several days of pre-trial detention.
According to confirmation from Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court, Yermak has fully paid a bail amount as high as 140 million hryvnia (approximately $3.2 million USD). On Monday morning, he was photographed leaving the pre-trial detention facility accompanied by security personnel.
Although the bail funds were largely raised by Friday evening, due to delays in bank transfers over the weekend, the payment was only officially credited on Monday during working hours, which led to Yermak spending the entire weekend in custody.
Yermak’s downfall stems from a major organized money-laundering case recently uncovered by Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities.
The Western-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine accused him of assisting in channeling illicit funds into a high-end real estate development project near Kyiv called "Dynasty," with the alleged amount involved reaching 460 million hryvnia (approximately $10.46 million USD).
Prosecutors noted that this case is closely linked to the broad investigation into Ukrainian billionaire Tymur Myndych, who is frequently referred to in Ukrainian media as "Zelenskyy's wallet."
The sudden arrest of Yermak, a long-time confidant and key diplomatic aide to Zelenskyy, has caused significant shockwaves across Ukraine’s political landscape.
Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak revealed details about the fundraising for the bail. Many Ukrainian political commentators believe that the fall of this once-powerful figure not only marks a major setback in his personal political career but also serves as a strong signal of the declining influence within Zelenskyy’s core power circle.
Currently, during his release on bail, Yermak is required to wear an electronic ankle monitor, remain in Kyiv, and surrender his passport while awaiting further judicial proceedings.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865561073370112/
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