The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) recently closed a corruption case against Denys Yermak, the brother of presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak. The case, which was investigated under the abuse of power article, was closed on Dec. 14, 2021, without publicly announcing the reasons for closure. In 2020, videos were leaked showing Denys Yermak discussing candidates for government jobs and receiving money from some of them, triggering a major scandal. Despite the authenticity of the videos, both Yermak brothers denied any wrongdoing. The closure of the case has raised concerns about political influence and transparency within law enforcement agencies, with accusations of attempting to bury the investigation due to Andriy Yermak’s political connections.
The leak of the video tapes was attributed to Serhiy Shumsky and Dmytro Shtanko, alleged partners in the graft schemes involving Denys Yermak. They claimed that Denys Yermak had received payments from candidates for state jobs, with allegations that the corruption scheme was initiated by Andriy Yermak, which he denies. The tapes also revealed discussions about cracking down on Danish logistics company MAERSK and Ukrainian logistics firm TIS. The NABU opened a corruption case based on the videos, but the case was later transferred to the police and then sent to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) by the Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, prompting accusations of burying the case. Despite court orders to open another graft case based on the Yermak videos, concerns remain about the handling of corruption cases involving top political figures.
Allegations of pressure on individuals connected to the case have also raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation. Serhiy Shumsky and Dmytro Shtanko claimed they were being pressured by authorities in connection with the tapes. Leros, who leaked the videos, was expelled from the Servant of the People’s parliamentary faction and temporarily suspended from parliamentary work. The State Investigation Bureau launched investigations against Leros, accusing him of divulging a state secret and interfering in the work of a state official. Additionally, Denys Yermak filed a libel lawsuit against Leros, which was upheld by a court in 2021. Shumsky and Shtanko reported incidents of intimidation, including a motorcycle being burned and a hand grenade being thrown into a car, following their involvement in exposing the corruption allegations.
As Ukraine’s civil society and Western partners call for action against corruption amid Russia’s invasion, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) faces scrutiny for its handling of high-profile corruption cases involving political figures. The closure of the case against Denys Yermak, the brother of presidential chief of staff, has highlighted concerns about political influence and transparency within law enforcement agencies. Despite initial investigations and court orders to pursue additional graft cases based on the leaked videos, questions remain about the willingness and ability of authorities to hold top officials accountable for corruption allegations. The pressure on individuals connected to the case further underscores the challenges of combating corruption in Ukraine, especially when those accused have political influence and connections.
