SBU Obtained Confidential Information on NABU and SAP Investigations, Stirring Controversy in Justice and Anti-Corruption Spheres
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has made an unexpected announcement regarding its recent actions — gaining access to all documents and data related to investigations conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). According to the security agency, this sudden and unscheduled measure allowed them to obtain comprehensive information about all covert and operational activities undertaken by these anti-corruption bodies. However, law enforcement circles are already expressing concerns that such a move could jeopardize the confidentiality of ongoing investigations and hamper the unobstructed pursuit of justice in various criminal cases. SAP representatives promptly responded to these statements, emphasizing that SBU's initiative was conducted without prior warning, in accordance with current legislation, even though NABU and SAP leadership were on an official foreign business trip. They highlighted that this step could have significant consequences for the security of investigations, particularly in terms of possible leaks of classified information about secret operations and ongoing operations. This situation raises alarm about the compliance of SBU leadership with legal norms and its influence on the independence of anti-corruption agencies. Meanwhile, SAP urged SBU officers to strictly adhere to legal standards to prevent the leaking of information that could seriously harm investigations of high-level corruption cases already being conducted by NABU and SAP. Striking a balance between safeguarding state secrets and ensuring justice is crucial in order to prevent the destruction of Ukraine's anti-corruption system.