Prosecutor General’s Office initiates criminal cases over alleged abuse during NABU searches: new details and political confrontation
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has officially launched five criminal proceedings concerning the potential use of force against staff members of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) during extensive investigative actions conducted on July 21 of this year.
According to reports, these five cases have been consolidated into a single criminal investigation currently led by the Main Investigation Department of the State Bureau of Investigation.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption bodies, as investigators suspect Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officers of exceeding their authority and applying violence against NABU detectives during raids that were reportedly carried out without court approval.
Marianna Haiovska-Kovbasjuk, Deputy Head of the Department of Information Policy and Communications of the Prosecutor General’s Office, told ‘Ukrinform’ that no additional claims from NABU staff regarding these incidents have been received at this time.
One notable incident involved a law enforcement officer, whom NABU detectives visited with warrants, threatening them with violence, which further complicates the situation.
Meanwhile, it is important to note that several searches of NABU employees were conducted without judicial authorization and in violation of official procedures, raising questions about legality and possible political motives behind these actions.
Additionally, investigations have revealed concerns about espionage activities by a NABU employee, who was declared a FSB agent by SBU.
Subsequently, leaders of NABU’s divisions, including Ruslan Magamedrasulov and Oleksandr Skomarov, were detained and later remanded without bail.
Alexander Klimenko, head of the State Anti-Corruption Agency (SAP), commented on the pressure being exerted on certain individuals to testify about perceived Russian influence within NABU.
All these events foster an atmosphere of insecurity and fear among anti-corruption officials, significantly hampering their work effectiveness.
Meanwhile, statements by SBU officials denying any pressure underscore the political rivalry surrounding anti-corruption efforts in the country.
Questions also remain whether key figures involved in previous NABU investigations, such as Odessa Airport assets linked to Kauffman and Borukhovich (Gronovsky), have remained owners despite allegations.
The ongoing developments continue to unfold as experts await the next steps in holding the law accountable and restoring confidence in Ukraine’s judicial and anti-corruption institutions.