An examination recognized the activity of NABU as only moderately effective: experts referred to systemic defects and impunity for information on “Lecks”

An external independent commission has completed an examination of the effectiveness of the national anti-corruption office of Ukraine (NABU). Despite high expectations, the results of the Commission were alarming: NABU's activities in 2023-2024 were recognized as moderately effective – only the third out of four possible levels, ie the penultimate. Unnight Reports with reference to the report.

The Commission for International Experts recorded a number of serious problems in the work of the office. This includes the lack of systematic monitoring of studies in priority areas, an unclear development strategy, blurred subordinate points in the organizational structure, problems with internal control and the ineffective interagence cooperation. NABU also has no effective measures for information leaks during the investigations before the attempt, which, according to the auditors, threatens a significant reputation.

The situation with integrity looks particularly critical. The integrity tests of the NABU employees are rated as insufficiently objectively, and the mechanisms of accountability are weak. At the same time, the media of scandals around dubious assets from NABU detectives, especially crypto money exchanges that fit millions of Hryvnia, are.

Against this background, the Commission still recommends that the Vermhovna Rada Nabu are the autonomous right to listen. However, such an initiative raises appropriate doubts, especially in view of the “Nabugate” scandal, as detective in illegal listening to lawyers, for which criminal proceedings have now been opened against them.

Another controversial point in the recommendations is the suggestion to buy official mobile phones for NABU employees or to create a program for using personal devices with improved protection. Such an initiative looks particularly inadequate in a situation in which the state is forced to collect all sorts of resources to support the army, and society expects maximum saving in expenses.

Overall, the exam showed that NABU has significant problems with efficiency and transparency. Against this background, the discussions about the expansion of its powers can look like a threat to the balance of legal institutions in Ukraine without an appropriate reform.

The Commission, which NABU rated, included international experts – Martin Arpo, Robert Westbrooks and Hermine Theresa Cronier.