**Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Agency Hits Back at Government Pressure**
In a bold move, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has charged a senior officer of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and two accomplices with extorting a $300,000 bribe. The SBU officer is accused of demanding payment from an individual under investigation for organizing illegal border crossings during wartime. In exchange, the officer promised to destroy case materials and suppress already uncovered facts.
This development comes as Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, including the SBU, launched investigations into several NABU employees, which watchdogs call government pressure on the anti-corruption institution. The charges against the SBU officer are a significant blow to the agency’s credibility, particularly in light of recent allegations of corruption within its own ranks.
**Government Pressure on Anti-Corruption Agency**
Just one day prior to these charges, Ukraine’s independent anti-corruption institutions came under intense pressure. Several law enforcement bodies, including the Prosecutor General’s Office, the SBU, and the State Investigation Bureau, conducted sweeping searches of NABU’s premises and operations. At least 70 searches were carried out targeting NABU and SAPO, with 15 employees under investigation.
Critics argue that this move is a coordinated effort to dismantle Ukraine’s independent anti-corruption infrastructure. The Anti-Corruption Action Center warned that the searches appear to be politically motivated, aimed at undermining the agency’s ability to investigate high-level corruption cases.
**SBU’s Defenses**
The SBU has defended its actions as legally justified under national security protocols. However, NABU accused the SBU of accessing secret investigative data without proper court warrants. In response, the SBU detained a NABU employee on charges of spying for Russia and another officer accused of links to illicit drug trade and pro-Russian actors.
**Commentary**
This latest development highlights the deep-seated tensions between Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies and its government. While the SBU’s actions may be justified under national security protocols, they also appear to be a clear attempt to exert pressure on NABU and undermine its independence.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its complex relationships with Russia and the West, it is crucial for the country to maintain its commitment to anti-corruption efforts. By doing so, Ukraine can ensure that its institutions remain strong and independent, capable of tackling high-level corruption cases without interference from government agencies or external actors.
**More Information**
To learn more about this story and Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against corruption, please visit [kyivindependent.com](http://kyivindependent.com) for the full article.
