Hidden Battles and Shadow Attacks: Analyzing Emerging Challenges for NABU and SAP
In the weeks leading up to the searches conducted at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), Ukrainian law enforcement officials and high-ranking officials sensed growing external and internal tensions that could escalate into a large-scale anti-corruption operation.
Sources reveal that as early as July 10, discussions with authorities included warnings that if public dissatisfaction with the new leadership selections at the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) persisted, subsequent attacks on NABU and SAP might follow.
This appeared to be a preparatory signal for potential repressive measures.
Following the appointment of the new prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko, who immediately began scrutinizing cases related to NABU and SAP, a media campaign aimed at discrediting these agencies intensified.
By July 17, in response to political developments and public sentiment, Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko hinted that the appointment of a head for BES might be delayed, and just a few days later, on July 21, searches were carried out in various regions, disrupting the work of these critical anti-corruption bodies.
Experts suggest that the primary goal of these actions is to discredit the institutions and create an illusion of a significant crisis, effectively paralyzing their operations.
Furthermore, many of the accusations made by security agencies seem one-sided, potentially fabricated, intended to increase public pressure and weaken the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.