The Ukraine High Anti-Corruption Court recently acquitted Serhiy Mul, a top official of Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, who was charged with lying in his asset declaration. Mul was accused of failing to declare a land plot and a house worth Hr 1.5 million ($38,000) in Boryspil in Kyiv Oblast in 2021. However, the court found no crime in Mul’s actions, and the verdict can be appealed within 30 days. The hearing on Mul’s case was conducted behind closed doors, despite prosecutors’ request for it to be public. The defense argued for a closed hearing, citing Mul’s status as a serviceman and potential threats to his life.
The system of compulsory asset declarations in Ukraine was originally established as part of the country’s anti-corruption efforts following the 2013-2014 EuroMaidan Revolution. The requirement for submitting e-declarations was temporarily suspended at the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. In October 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law to resume asset declarations for officials and make them immediately accessible to the public. Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) reopened access to the asset declaration system in December 2023.
In another corruption-related development, former Presidential Office advisor Artem Shylo, who was suspected in a corruption scheme involving Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia), had a Hr 30 million ($767,000) bail paid for him. The payment of bail for Shylo was reported by the Anti-Corruption Action Center on April 4. The case involving Shylo is part of ongoing efforts to combat corruption within Ukraine’s government and affiliated institutions. The bail amount paid indicates the seriousness of the allegations against Shylo and the importance of holding individuals accountable for corrupt practices.
The fight against corruption in Ukraine remains an ongoing challenge, with cases like those of Serhiy Mul and Artem Shylo highlighting the complexities and obstacles in addressing corruption at various levels of government and public service. The acquittal of Mul and the bail payment for Shylo raise questions about the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures and the level of accountability within Ukraine’s institutions. The role of the High Anti-Corruption Court, the NACP, and other anti-corruption agencies in investigating and prosecuting such cases is crucial for restoring public trust and integrity in Ukraine’s governance structures.
Efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in Ukraine’s public sector are essential for building a sustainable foundation for democratic governance and economic development. The resumption of asset declarations for officials and the reopening of the asset declaration system by the NACP demonstrate a commitment to combatting corruption and promoting good governance practices. These initiatives, along with ongoing investigations and prosecutions of corruption cases, are critical steps towards creating a more transparent and accountable government in Ukraine. Citizens’ support for independent journalism and anti-corruption efforts plays a vital role in holding officials accountable and ensuring that corrupt practices are exposed and addressed effectively.
As Ukraine continues to face geopolitical challenges and internal reforms, the fight against corruption remains a top priority for the government and civil society. The cases of Serhiy Mul and Artem Shylo serve as reminders of the obstacles and complexities involved in combating corruption within the country’s institutions. By supporting independent journalism and anti-corruption initiatives, individuals can contribute to the larger effort to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in Ukraine’s governance. The acquittal of Mul and the bail payment for Shylo underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and determination in upholding anti-corruption measures and promoting good governance practices in Ukraine.
