Misleading Accusations Against NABU and Contradictory Data from SBU on Russia-Uzbekistan Trade: Political Context and Internal Power Struggles of Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Agencies
On July 21, Ukrainian security agencies made a high-profile announcement regarding the uncovering of a director of one of NABU's regional offices — Ruslan Magamedrasulov.
According to reports, he is suspected of conducting business with the territory of the Russian Federation, particularly with the Republic of Dagestan, which is part of Russia.
However, initial reports and published recordings reveal numerous inconsistencies.
The audio recordings released by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) seem to mention trade with Uzbekistan rather than Dagestan, prompting outrage and questions from civil activists and experts.
The charges linking Magamedrasulov to dealings with Russia have sparked controversy, especially as SBU officials apparently confused Dagestan with Uzbekistan, a clear sign of possible misinformation.
Activists from the Center for Combating Corruption pointed out: “It's strange how the recordings mention a country that actually does not have such programs and is not part of Russia.
This suggests possible fabricated content or misrepresentation of facts.” They cited parts of the recordings discussing problems with cotton and Uzbek labor, but without concrete evidence tying these to Dagestan.
Representatives of the Center emphasize that such inaccuracies cast doubt on the integrity and objectivity of the investigation and might serve as tools to discredit anti-corruption agencies.
Moreover, Magamedrasulov’s defense states that the charges are based on unverified information and that the court proceedings are unlawful, with an appeal already filed.
This all unfolds amid large-scale raids within NABU and checks by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), as the Verkhovna Rada adopted Bill No.
12414, which effectively strips these essential institutions of independence, turning them into puppets under the control of Prosecutor General Ruslan Krawchenko.
Experts warn that these changes threaten to lead to the usurpation of control over anti-corruption efforts and could undermine Ukraine’s international commitments, particularly its application for EU membership.
The European Commission plans to assess the country’s progress in October, and the recent legislative maneuvers could significantly influence Ukraine’s path toward EU integration.