Search warrant for Zelenskyy's former top aide Yermak dated a week before investigative actions – UP
Ukrainska Pravda has learned that the warrant authorising the search of the home of Andrii Yermak, former head of the Ukrainian President's Office, was dated 21 November, although the search itself took place on 28 November.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda article Ali Baba and the Forty Statesmen: How Andrii Yermak lost his position as the president's right-hand man and avoided charges
Details: The fact that the search warrant is dated 21 November could support reports that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not only had prior knowledge of the investigation's concerns regarding Yermak, but also had at least a week to secure his removal before the action began.
Sources in law enforcement agencies told Ukrainska Pravda that the searches were only carried out at Yermak's home near the President's Office. Officers chose not to enter his office on the second floor of the building at Bankova Street where the Ukrainian President's Office is based.
"It's only a matter of time before a notice of suspicion is served on him [Yermak – ed.]," the law enforcement sources said.
Background:
- On 28 November, Ukrainska Pravda reported that officers from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) were conducting searches at Yermak's office in the government district. Ukrainska Pravda journalists managed to record around 10 officers from NABU and SAPO entering the government district.
- Yermak confirmed that a search was taking place at his home and said he was ready to assist the investigation. According to UP, he had not been served with a notice of suspicion as of that morning.
- Zelenskyy later announced that he had accepted Yermak's resignation as head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and that the institution would now undergo a reboot. The president said he would hold consultations with potential candidates on Saturday.
- Yermak subsequently announced that he was joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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