Former head of Zelenskyy's office Yermak released from pre-trial detention – photo, video

Former head of the President's Office Andrii Yermak was released from pre-trial detention on the morning of 18 May after bail was posted on his behalf.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda correspondent at the scene

Photo: Ukrainska Pravda

Details: Yermak stated that he was held in a paid-for cell with improved conditions and that he does not know who posted bail on his behalf.

Background:

• The High Anti-Corruption Court informed Ukrainska Pravda on the morning of 18 May that the required bail amount of UAH 140 million (about US$3.2 million) had been posted on Yermak's behalf.
• Lawyer Ihor Fomin stated that he was already on his way to collect the certificate needed for Yermak to be released from pre-trial detention.
• On 14 May, the High Anti-Corruption Court remanded Yermak in custody as a pre-trial restriction with the possibility of release on bail set at UAH 140 million. He is charged with laundering of UAH 460 million (around US$10.5 million) during the construction of the high-end Dynastiia ("Dynasty") housing complex in Kozyn, near Kyiv. According to investigators, some of the funds used for the construction may have originated from corruption schemes at Energoatom.
• After the hearing, Yermak said he had not expected such a decision and did not personally have that amount of money but had friends who could help.
• By Friday 15 May, more than UAH 50 million had already been raised for the bail. In particular, Serhii Rebrov, football manager and former head coach of the Ukraine national football team, contributed UAH 30 million.

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