Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of absolute intolerance towards corruption on August 2. His statement came after receiving a report from the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, Semen Kryvonos, and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, Oleksandr Klymenko.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“A member of the Ukrainian Parliament, as well as heads of district and city administrations, and servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine were caught in bribery. I am grateful to the anti-corruption agencies for their work.”
Exposure of a Corruption Scheme in Defense Sector Procurement
According to NABU and SAP, a criminal scheme related to the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems has been uncovered. This scheme involved a current member of the Verkhovna Rada, heads of district and city military administrations, as well as servicemen of the National Guard. The essence of the scheme was to sign state contracts with designated suppliers at inflated prices, with up to 30% of the contract amount being returned to the participants of the crime as illegal benefits.
Currently, four individuals have been detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Despite the public outcry, the names of the detainees are not being disclosed.
Legislative Changes Regarding Anti-Corruption Agencies
On July 31, the Verkhovna Rada approved the presidential bill aimed at strengthening the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. Volodymyr Zelensky has already signed this document.
Earlier, on July 22, the parliament adopted bill No. 12414, which, according to experts, could limit the independence of NABU and SAP. NABU head Semen Kryvonos urged the president to veto this law, but he signed it immediately. Such changes in legislation sparked a wave of protests in Ukraine and concern among the country’s Western partners.
In response, the president submitted a new bill to parliament aimed at restoring and strengthening the powers of anti-corruption agencies. NABU positively assessed document No. 13533, noting that it restores all procedural powers and guarantees the independence of NABU and SAP.