Serhiy Vlasenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, has raised concerns regarding the operations of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). He described their activities as resembling public relations efforts rather than effective investigations into corruption.
Vlasenko stated that NABU and SAP have shifted their focus towards media appearances, spending more time on press conferences than on substantive investigative work. He highlighted that the average salary for a NABU detective is significantly higher than that of a member of parliament, with figures reaching approximately 140,000 UAH per month.
He drew a parallel between the current practices of these agencies and the judicial processes of the Stalin era, suggesting that their methods involve reliance on surveillance and manipulation of evidence. Vlasenko elaborated that they often use audio recordings as primary evidence, asserting that this approach undermines the integrity of their investigations.
In his remarks, Vlasenko criticized the close collaboration between the leadership of NABU and SAP, arguing that it compromises the oversight function of SAP. He expressed concern that the two agencies operate too closely, which raises questions about the effectiveness of the legal oversight intended to ensure the lawfulness of NABU’s investigations.
Furthermore, he noted instances where representatives from NABU, SAP, and the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) engage in joint training sessions and informal gatherings, which he views as a potential conflict of interest. Vlasenko emphasized that such interactions could lead to ethical breaches within the judicial process.
He concluded by asserting the necessity of combating corruption but cautioned against employing illegal methods in the pursuit of justice, warning that such actions could lead to greater issues in the future.
The full interview with Vlasenko is available via a linked video.
Ukrainian lawmaker Serhiy Vlasenko has criticized the NABU and SAP for their ineffective anti-corruption efforts, likening their methods to those of historical oppressive regimes. He emphasized the need for lawful practices in the fight against corruption.