SBU Investigation into Case Materials: Challenge to Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Independence
Recent reports from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine have shed light on the ongoing situation concerning the inspection initiated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) targeting prosecutors from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) and officials from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). According to SAP head Oleksandr Klymenko, during this unscheduled check, SBU investigators did not gain direct access to the actual case materials, raising questions about the legality and potential influence on ongoing anti-corruption investigations. He clarified that the inspection mainly focused on organizational aspects, such as documents regulating the secret services' operations and some of the prosecutor's computers, but the core case files remained inaccessible. Prior to this, NABU and SAP warned about the risks associated with unauthorized access to confidential information and the potential leaks that could compromise sensitive investigations and jeopardize the outcomes of criminal proceedings. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and laws on the Prosecutor General's Office, effectively curtailing the independence of SAP and significantly limiting NABU's autonomy. The also increased the powers of the Prosecutor General, appointed by Parliament on the President's proposal, raising concerns among anti-corruption advocates. Representatives of NABU and SAP urged the President to veto these legislative changes, pointing out conflicts of interest among some deputies. They promised to fight for the restoration of institutional independence, which they see as crucial for effective anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine.