Crisis of Trust in Anti-Corruption Institutions: Why Urgent Adoption of the Law to Restore NABU and SAP’s Independence Is Critical
Ukraine faces a pressing need to restore the independence of its key anti-corruption agencies — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). The focus now is on swiftly passing Bill No. 13531, which aims to reinstate these bodies’ autonomy and ensure a more effective fight against corruption at the highest levels. However, the legislative process encounters numerous challenges, including political manipulation and procedural blockades, which risk undermining public trust and international credibility. According to recent statements from the leadership of these agencies, the bill is of paramount importance in light of recent threats to investigative processes and undue interference. Semen Kryvonos, NABU director, emphasizes that ignoring the urgency of passing and signing this law could lead to legal paralysis and the loss of momentum in high-profile criminal cases. Recently, the leadership of SAP has been deprived of procedural rights, complicating investigations and the pursuit of accountability for top officials. The new law contains mechanisms designed to restore independence and protect investigators and prosecutors from external influence. NABU detectives and SAP prosecutors actively participated in drafting these amendments, asserting that the initiative will help rebuild trust in the anti-corruption system. Nevertheless, the prolonged legislative process might be exploited politically, complicating the situation further. Analysts predict that even if the law to restore independence is passed, ongoing attacks and political pressure will persist. The consequences of last summer’s Law No. 12414, which effectively curtailed the independence of NABU and SAP, led to mass protests across Ukraine. President Zelensky has promised to prepare a new bill to strengthen the law enforcement system and shield it from foreign influence. However, experts point out that within Ukraine’s political and legal landscape, opportunities for abuse remain — especially through loopholes that may allow top-corruption figures to evade responsibility or diminish penalties. Insights into the broader political scenario can be found in the article “Raid on NABU and SAP: President Zelensky’s Closer Step Toward Authoritarianism,” which provides a detailed analysis of the current developments and potential consequences of Ukraine’s drift towards authoritarian tendencies.