Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) on Monday, Aug. 10, eased travel restrictions on former Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak, who is suspected of laundering criminal proceeds through the construction of an elite housing development near Kyiv.
According to the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), the court partially granted a request from Yermak’s defense and changed the procedural obligations imposed on him.
The ruling allows Yermak to travel within several Ukrainian regions without obtaining separate permission from investigators, prosecutors or the court.
Court expands Yermak’s permitted travel area
Previously, Yermak was required to obtain permission before leaving Kyiv and the Kyiv region.
The court replaced that restriction with a broader geographical limit covering Kyiv, Kyiv region, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv and Kherson regions.
He is also permitted to transit through other regions, SAPO said.
Yermak’s defense argued that the expanded travel area was necessary because he participates in a project providing legal assistance to Ukrainian military personnel.
Prosecutors opposed the request, saying the existing restrictions did not prevent Yermak from participating in the project and that he serves as its manager rather than as a lawyer directly providing legal assistance.
Court keeps electronic monitoring
Yermak’s defense also asked the court to remove his electronic monitoring device.
The judge rejected that request, meaning Yermak must continue wearing the electronic monitoring device.
SAPO said the defense request followed the simultaneous receipt of several similar letters from commanders of Ukrainian military units supporting Yermak’s request.
Yermak suspected in Hr.460M ($11M) money laundering case
Yermak is one of several suspects in a case involving the alleged laundering of more than Hr.460 million ($11 million) through the construction of an elite cottage development in Kozyn, Kyiv region.
According to NABU and SAPO, the alleged scheme operated between 2021 and 2025 and involved a former deputy prime minister and a businessman, among others. Investigators allege that funds obtained through criminal activity were used to finance the construction project.
Yermak was previously placed in custody with an alternative Hr.140 million ($3.4 million) bail. After bail was posted, the court imposed several procedural obligations, including electronic monitoring and restrictions on travel and contact with other suspects and witnesses.
Yermak denies wrongdoing. Under Ukrainian law, he is presumed innocent unless his guilt is established by a final court conviction.