**Ukraine’s Top Anti-Corruption Investigator Speaks Out**
In a rare interview, Semen Kryvonos, the director of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), has spoken about the challenges his agency faces in tackling corruption in Ukraine. Despite an abrupt U-turn by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to restore NABU’s independence, Kryvonos expressed concerns that vested interests will continue to target the agency.
**A Threat to Ukraine’s EU Bid**
Kryvonos said that corruption is a major obstacle to Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. The country has been trying to eradicate graft since Russia’s invasion in 2022. NABU and its sister agency, the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), have made significant strides in this effort.
**Protests Erupt Over Attempt to Curtail Powers**
Earlier this week, parliament passed a bill that would have given the president-appointed general prosecutor power over NABU and SAPO. This move was met with widespread protests across Ukraine, including in Kyiv. President Zelenskiy subsequently submitted legislation restoring the agencies’ independence.
**A Dirty Information Campaign Ahead?**
Kryvonos warned of a “dirty information campaign” against NABU on widely read anonymous Telegram channels. He said that corrupt actors will try to discredit his agency as slow or ineffective. The director expressed concerns that this campaign will continue despite President Zelenskiy’s U-turn.
**Systemic Work and Threats**
Kryvonos pointed out that NABU has made significant progress in uncovering corruption, including huge real estate schemes in Kyiv and accusations against a former deputy prime minister. He said that this systemic work had led to a crackdown on his agency employees, with two officials arrested for suspected ties to Russia.
**A Long Road Ahead**
Despite the U-turn by President Zelenskiy, Kryvonos expressed concerns that resistance to NABU’s work will continue. He cited the fact that many lawmakers supported the controversial bill and that threats against his agency are still widespread.
**Acceptance as a Vital Part of State Institutions**
Kryvonos appealed for acceptance from politicians, saying they need to stop considering NABU and SAPO as enemies and recognize them as important state institutions. He emphasized that this is crucial for Ukraine’s bid to join the EU and its efforts to eradicate corruption.
Read More @ www.reuters.com
