The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) conducted a search at the house of a detective from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) in connection to an alleged corruption case at the President’s Office. The investigation into the alleged leak has raised concerns about the NABU’s ability to investigate high-level corruption and has highlighted a potential conflict between the NABU and SAPO. The SAPO opened a case into abuse of power and an alleged leak of investigative information by the NABU detective, leading to questions about the effectiveness of corruption investigations in Ukraine. The NABU has assured that it has enough resources to conduct its own investigation and maintain its independence and objectivity in the pre-trial process.
The search at the NABU detective’s house is linked to an investigation into a leak in a corruption scheme involving the government’s “Big Construction” project. The detective allegedly leaked information in the interests of an influential businessman named Yury Holyk, who has been accused of overseeing an embezzlement scheme within major construction projects. Other individuals, including Zelensky’s former deputy chief of staff and an ex-governor, have also been implicated in the corruption case. The leak case was opened based on correspondence between the NABU detective, a top NABU official, and an alleged intermediary, which resulted in the loss of crucial evidence in the case against Holyk. Despite the investigations, no charges have been brought, and there are concerns about the lack of action taken by NABU leadership to address the leak.
Vitaly Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, has called for a deep overhaul of the NABU in light of the leak investigation. He believes that the agency requires significant changes to prevent leaks of information that benefit suspects in corruption cases. Shabunin criticizes NABU deputy head Uglava for allegedly having total control over detectives and investigative information, which may have contributed to the leaks. The conflict between the NABU and SAPO has also highlighted the challenges in investigating high-level corruption cases in Ukraine, with concerns about accountability and transparency within the anti-corruption agencies.
The NABU and SAPO are responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases in Ukraine, but conflicts between the two agencies have hampered the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in the country. Previous conflicts have led to public revelations of wrongdoing within the agencies, such as recordings implicating the Chief Anti-Corruption Prosecutor in pressuring prosecutors and courts, urging false testimony, and tipping off suspects about impending searches. As the NABU continues to investigate corruption cases, including the “Big Construction” scandal, there are calls for greater transparency and accountability within the agency to ensure the integrity of anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine.
Despite ongoing challenges and conflicts, Ukraine’s civil society and Western partners continue to urge the authorities to combat corruption, especially in the face of Russia’s invasion of the country. The NABU has made progress in some cases but has faced setbacks in others, raising concerns about its ability to effectively tackle corruption. With the appointment of new leadership and potential reforms within the agency, there is hope that the NABU can strengthen its investigative capabilities and maintain independence in pursuing anti-corruption efforts. As Ukraine grapples with internal challenges and external threats, the fight against corruption remains crucial in ensuring transparency, accountability, and stability in the country.
