Ukraine: Court Orders Former Zelensky Aide To Be Taken Into Custody

KYIV, May 14 (Bernama-dpa) -- A Ukrainian court has ordered the pre-trial detention of Andrii Yermak, the former head of the country's presidential office, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

A judge ruled on Thursday that Yermak is to remain in custody for an initial period of 60 days, with the possibility of release on bail.

Yermak faces money laundering charges. He and five other suspects are accused of being part of an organised group that allegedly laundered nearly €9 million (US$10.6 million) linked to a luxury construction project near Kyiv.

Yermak had categorically denied the allegations. He also stated that he does not have the financial means to pay the bail amount, set at the equivalent of €2.72 million (US$3.19 million).

He resigned in late November last year amid a corruption scandal following searches of his home.

He was a long-time confidant of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and had led the presidential office since 2020.

He was widely regarded as the second-most powerful man in Ukraine.

-- BERNAMA-dpa