Anti-corruption raid in Ukraine's government headquarters in the morning

Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities struck this morning at Ukraine’s government headquarters, and also conducted a search at the home of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak. This was reported by Ukrainian media.

Early this morning, about ten police officers and other personnel from the anti-corruption police NABU and the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office SAPO entered the government headquarters. This was reported by Ukrainska Pravda from the scene.

At the same time, a search was conducted at the home of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak.

“Ongoing investigation”

The two authorities do not reveal what the raids are about. In two identical statements, NABU and SAPO wrote the following in a statement on social media:

“NABU and SAPO are conducting investigative measures (searches) at the head of the Ukrainian president’s office. The investigative measures are sanctioned and carried out within the framework of an ongoing investigation. Details will follow.”

The raid against Andriy Yermak is the latest in a long series of anti-corruption raids targeting the circle around Zelenskyj. Just over two weeks ago, Ukraine’s Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko was fired after being implicated in an ongoing corruption investigation.

Zelenskyj’s former business partner Timur Mindich, former advisor to the Minister of Energy Ihor Myroniuk, and former security chief of Energoatom Dmitro Basov are other names in the investigation.

Growing corruption scandal

NABU has been conducting an anti-corruption operation called “Operation Midas” for some time. It primarily concerns large sums of money that are said to have been embezzled within Ukraine’s energy sector. This is far from the only corruption investigation; corruption is widespread and extensive in Ukraine, but it is by far the largest and most publicized.

NABU chief Semen Kryvonos expressed a few days ago that the Operation Midas investigation is expected to grow, and that it is no longer just about money in the energy sector going astray. Raids against additional political leaders were therefore expected.

Andriy Yermak (far left) together with Volodymyr Zelenskyj visiting Sweden. Photo: Magnus Liljegren Government Offices

At the same time, the work against corruption is being met with resistance from President Zelenskyj. NABU and SAPO are two authorities that are not directly subordinate to the government, and therefore have greater leeway to investigate crimes committed by the country’s political leadership.

Zelenskyj tried to change that last summer by taking control of the two anti-corruption authorities, but was forced to back down after extensive demonstrations broke out among corruption-averse Ukrainians.

EuroMaidan-affiliated media channel EMPR now suspects that the president will make new attempts to suppress NABU and SAPO as his inner circle is decimated.

Accused of working for Russia

One of the major obstacles that NABU and SAPO encounter is allegations that they work for Russia. These are claims that are spread, not least by anonymous Telegram accounts, and therefore reach many, especially young Ukrainians. This undermines confidence in the work of the two authorities.

NABU chief Semen Kryvonos argues that those spreading such allegations are part of a well-off class of young people who have escaped mobilization and who work for the criminal network of leaders behind the corruption.

“These people live a very good life and drive around in expensive cars. The leaders of these groups are well known, as are their spokesmen. They spread their bullshit, constantly and systematically,” Kryvonos said according to Antikor, a Ukrainian news site that covers corruption investigations.

“It costs them a lot of money. But considering how much money this criminal organization has raked in, it’s a drop in the ocean. In that context, these Telegram channels are cheap. Or they do it to avoid mobilization,” he continued.

According to Semen Kryvonos, they know the identities of those spreading disinformation, but lack the resources to intervene against them. Instead, NABU and SAPO hope for help from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to address the problem.