Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdog scores 'moderate' in landmark evaluation
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau has undergone an external independent assessment for the first time since its establishment in 2015, as required by law. Its work was found to be moderately effective, according to the report on the audit.
The overall conclusion of the audit is that NABU's activities were moderately effective. The Commission did not find improper performance of duties by Director Semen Kryvonos.
The audit for the period from March 2023 to November 2014 was conducted by a commission consisting of three international anti-corruption experts (Martin Arpo, Robert A. Westbrooks, Hermione Cronje) appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers on the basis of proposals from international organizations.
"The NABU has successfully passed the first independent external assessment of its kind. We have identified areas where the NABU is succeeding and where it needs to improve. We have assessed the NABU's work as sufficiently effective in investigations and international cooperation. Overall, we have assessed the NABU's performance as moderately effective and have provided recommendations for further improving its performance," commented Robert Westbrooks, the Commission's chairman.
Audit findings:
- The NABU has partially achieved its goals and has risk control mechanisms in place.
- There is a positive trend in quantitative indicators (more proceedings, indictments and verdicts), but there is a lack of systematic monitoring of priority areas of investigation.
- Legislative restrictions on the NABU's work have been identified, such as the lack of authority to conduct independent wiretaps and problems with access to forensic examinations.
- Until recently, the NABU worked without a clear development strategy and measurable performance indicators. A new strategy has now been approved, but an implementation plan is still being developed.
- Deficiencies in the work of the Internal Control Department were identified, including the lack of effective proceedings on information leaks.
- Problems in the organizational structure were noted: unclear lines of authority, inadequate delegation of authority, and ambiguous division of responsibilities, which reduces the efficiency of the institution.
The Commission has made 26 recommendations for the NABU, including improving the procedure for protecting the identity of corruption whistleblowers, strengthening the protection of NABU employees' mobile devices, and developing a strategic plan with measurable performance indicators.
The Commission has also proposed recommendations for the Verkhovna Rada that could improve the effectiveness of the NABU. For example, to cancel the 'Lozovyi amendments', which create obstacles to effective pre-trial investigations, and to change the frequency of external evaluation from annual to biannual.
- In early 2025, one of the NABU's criminal cases triggered mass dismissals of top KCSA officials after wiretapping materials were leaked to Bihus.info journalists.
