The defendants in the criminal proceedings regarding the "leaks" of information from the NABU were aware of the start of such an investigation, which may indicate a systemic problem of data leaks. This opinion was expressed by Anastasia Radina, the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy, UNN reports.
"The head of the SAPO confirmed that the defendants in the criminal proceedings regarding the alleged "leaks" of information were informed about the start of such an investigation, and this significantly complicated the investigation. In my opinion, this indicates the systemic nature of the problem of information leaks," Radina wrote on her Facebook page.
In her opinion, the briefing of the anti-corruption activists on the results of their work in the first half of 2024 showed that solving the problem of "leaks" is perceived as a priority task for the NABU Director.
"Although the economic effect of the NABU and SAPO activities amounted to UAH 3.7 billion over six months - and this is not insignificant - the question remains whether the alleged "leaks" affected the reduction of the possible result," Radina said.
Recall
In late May, the NABU was caught up in a scandal - it became known about the alleged disclosure of data from the pre-trial investigation by representatives of the bureau. As a result, NABU Director Semen Kryvonos suspended his first deputy, Gizo Uglava, from his duties for the duration of the pre-trial investigation.
It is worth noting that Gizo Uglava, after becoming a subject of the NABU investigation himself, admitted the existence of serious problems during the investigation conducted by anti-corruption officials and noted that the bureau is focused on achieving "external goals" rather than establishing the truth.
This was pointed out even by international auditors.
In addition, NABU First Deputy Director Uglava statedthat the bureau is under threat of losing its independence, and detectives are under political pressure, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of the fight against corruption.
Despite the scandals, the budgetary appetite of anti-corruption agencies is growing every year. Over the entire period of their existence, the NABU, SAPO, and HACC have spent approximately UAH 12-13 billion on their maintenance. This is all paid for by taxpayers, for whom the next fee increases have already been prepared. In particular, the government has submitted bills to the Verkhovna Rada to raise taxes and amend the state budget for 2024. The Cabinet of Ministers proposes to the parliament to increase the rate of the military tax to 5%, and for some transactions to 30%.
At the same time, there are still big questions about the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies. Foreign experts in their audit report identified a number of problems in the NABU's activities. In particular, the auditors concluded that detectives need to communicate with psychologists and the ombudsman to report problems in the workplace.
While Ukrainians are being taxed, the NABU spends budget funds on repairing toilets, air conditioners and purchasing special purpose cars equipped with dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors and Apple Cards.