+11 Kyiv
"After the diagnosis voiced even by loyal internationalists and supported by the Ukrainian media, it is impossible to continue to pretend that NABU only needs "reforms". NABU is an institutional mistake that cannot be corrected by any cosmetic reforms. The bureau should be dissolved, not reformed", – Posternak wrote.
According to him, the audit commission’s findings point to systemic issues within NABU.
"Chronic information leaks in NABU. That is, the leak of information by the leadership and former detective Andriy Denysyuk is just a fragment against the background of a larger problem. No effective criminal proceedings have been conducted regarding these leaks of information. That means no punishment for violations. This is not a state body fighting corruption – it is a caste of untouchables covering each other", – he stated.
Posternak noted that NABU’s staffing levels continue to grow, yet its leadership and detectives repeatedly cite insufficient personnel as a barrier to handling major cases.
"According to public data, in 2024, UAH 1.9 billion was spent from the state budget on the maintenance of NABU, while the bureau's activities led to the return of as much as... UAH 823 million from corrupt officials. Thus, 2,2 times more was spent than was returned to the state!" – he emphasized.
He also criticized the bureau’s insufficient engagement in defense-related investigations. According to Posternak, NABU issued one suspicion in the defense sector in 2023 and none in 2024.
The expert further referenced a series of scandals involving NABU.
"The report should also include the scandals that have shaken the NABU in recent months: representatives of the bureau were caught manufacturing and selling drugs; detective Romaniuk purchased VIP cars and luxury real estate, but wrote everything down to his parents; a detective from the bureau forced witnesses to have intimate relationships; detective Arshavin who had state secrets clearance, fled to Romania", – he wrote.
He advocated for the dissolution of NABU and the establishment of a new institutional framework for anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine.
"We must finally create an effective, accountable, independent mechanism for investigating corruption – with real internal control, powers, and responsibility. And with a regular annual external audit", – Posternak concluded.
