**Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Activist Cites Pressure After Investigators Allegedly Access Wife’s Phone Data**
In a move that has sparked concerns about government pressure on activists, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) may have gained access to the phone data of Vitaliy Shabunin, wife of activist and soldier Vitaliy Shabunin. The development comes as part of three ongoing investigations against the activist, which he believes are politically motivated.
The SBI investigator requested temporary access to mobile data for a number that Shabunin said belonged to his wife, and a Pechersk Court judge granted the request on April 24. However, Shabunin is unclear about why the SBI would need his wife’s phone data or how it relates to the ongoing investigations against him.
“It’s hard for me to see any explanation other than pressure,” said Shabunin. “Because if this case concerns me and my military service, then what does my wife’s phone have to do with it?”
The SBI has initiated two criminal investigations against Shabunin in December 2023 based on allegations of forging documents and evading conscription. The third investigation concerns Shabunin’s alleged illegal use of a gifted car.
Shabunin, who joined the Armed Forces at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, denied the accusations and said the cases were fabricated. He believes that the investigations are part of an effort to discredit him rather than imprison him.
“It seems to me that the purpose of these proceedings is to discredit (me) rather than to imprison,” Shabunin said.
Shabunin has been a vocal critic of corruption in Ukraine and has frequently targeted high-ranking officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Oleh Tatarov. The activist believes that the cases against him are politically motivated and linked to President’s Office and Tatarov.
The leaked documents were signed by Pechersk Court’s judge Serhii Vovk, one of Ukraine’s most infamous judges, known for his controversial rulings. Shabunin has also been accused of abuse of power in a separate case involving former commander Viktor Yushko.
**Background on Shabunin and the Anti-Corruption Action Center**
Shabunin is not new to controversy and has faced numerous attacks from those in power since founding the Anti-Corruption Action Center in 2012. The organization has been subjected to harassment, including a house fire set by unknown individuals.
In 2020, Shabunin’s mother-in-law reported finding grenades near her apartment, an incident that was not investigated. This is just one example of the many attacks on activists and their families since the foundation of the Anti-Corruption Action Center.
**Implications for Ukrainian Activism**
The alleged access to Shabunin’s wife’s phone data has sparked concerns about government pressure on activists in Ukraine. Shabunin believes that all these cases are attempts to pressure him and those around him.
“This is just another example of how our organization is targeted,” said Kateryna Denisova, News Editor at the Kyiv Independent. “Shabunin’s case highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian activists who continue to speak out against corruption.”
The investigation into Shabunin’s allegations has yet to be completed, but many are skeptical that it will be impartial.
“All these cases are attempts to pressure me and those around me,” said Shabunin.
