Ukrainian anti-graft agencies formally accused Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, of involvement in a multimillion-dollar corruption scheme. The notice of suspicion relates to a 460 million hryvnia ($10.5 million) corruption scheme involving luxury construction near Kyiv. Yermak resigned last November after law enforcement searched his apartment as part of a separate investigation.

The investigation, part of Operation Midas, stems from a $100 million embezzlement scheme involving Ukraine's state-owned nuclear power company. The scandal triggered a political crisis, leading to the resignations of Ukraine's energy and justice ministers. Several of Zelensky's closest allies have been linked to the corruption probe, raising concerns about governance as Ukraine receives billions in international aid.

The formal accusation represents a significant escalation in the case against Yermak, who maintains innocence through his silence. The scandal has strained international confidence in Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts at a critical time. With 1,000 hours of wiretaps already collected, authorities continue building their case against those implicated in the extensive network of corruption within government circles.