Transparency International Ukraine has expressed concerns over the recent actions by Ukraine’s security and judicial bodies, including the State Security Service (SBU), Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO), and State Bureau of Investigations (SBI). The organization has accused these entities of undermining the independence of anti-corruption institutions, particularly the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), and employing coercive measures to influence ongoing investigations into high-ranking officials. The organization’s statement highlights the potential risks to the integrity of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts and raises questions about the effectiveness of these institutions without autonomy.
The unscheduled inspections of compliance with state secrets by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have also drawn criticism. These actions are perceived as attempts to exert control over information and potentially manipulate the outcomes of investigations. Transparency International Ukraine has emphasized the need for maintaining the independence of anti-corruption agencies, stressing that their ability to operate without external interference is crucial for the success of Ukraine’s fight against corruption.