Critical Developments in Anti-Corruption Efforts: Consequences of Denying Independence to Anti-Corruption Agencies and Paths Toward Restoring Their Powers
Recently, during the annual YES conference, Ukrainian leaders of key anti-corruption agencies emphasized the serious consequences resulting from the recent removal of independence from these bodies and their subsequent empowerment restoration.
Alexander Klymenko, Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), publicly stated that such actions have severely hampered the effectiveness of the anti-corruption fight, slowing down processes and even stopping collaboration with whistleblowers and law enforcement agencies altogether.
This has led to critical impacts that continue to affect the system’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging challenges.
Semyon Kryvonos, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), highlighted the need to grant the SAP chief the authority to independently initiate criminal investigations into lawmakers suspected of corruption.
He pointed out that currently, this function is blocked, making the anti-corruption work less effective.
Additionally, Kryvonos stressed the importance of enabling agencies to carry out technical measures such as wiretaps autonomously, without needing to ask the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for access.
He announced that technical developments are underway to establish these capabilities, which are vital steps in strengthening the independence and operational efficiency of Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.