+8 Kyiv
NABU hacked. The detective who had leaked sensitive information further discredited the bureau.
For several days, discussions have surrounded the dismissal of NABU detective Andrii Denysyuk and the public release of his letter to colleagues. In the letter, the former detective accused NABU of obstructing investigations into drone procurement. Legal experts suggest that Denysyuk’s revelations are an attempt to divert attention from NABU’s inefficiency and lack of effective corruption investigations in the security and defense sectors, as well as in other areas under its jurisdiction.
However, yet another scandal involving the bureau points to a deeper systemic crisis, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the entire anti-corruption framework of the state. As a result, Ukraine’s donor states are naturally questioning how their funds are being utilized and whether Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions can be trusted at all.
Irreversible processes within NABU were triggered, in part, by the victory of Republican Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election. The new American administration clearly remembers statements made by Ukrainian members of parliament, alleging that former NABU Director Artem Sytnyk interfered in the electoral process during the 2016 U.S. presidential race. This refers to the so-called "black bookkeeping" of the Party of Regions, which allegedly implicated Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, in embezzlement. At the time, this leak from the NABU chief was used to benefit Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and to undermine Trump.
At the time, then-head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), Nazar Kholodnytskyi, warned of potential negative consequences for Ukraine following allegations of NABU’s involvement in the U.S. elections. "Apparently, he [Sytnyk] saw himself as a global geopolitician, supported Hillary, and spoke about the FBI. We need to draw conclusions – this is not the right approach," Kholodnytskyi stated. However, the issue did not progress beyond public remarks.
During the Biden administration, NABU maintained its position with the support of American institutions and Ukrainian civil society organizations. However, after the change of leadership in the United States, noticeable internal shifts began within the bureau. Concerns over losing international backing led to internal tensions, resulting in growing divisions and political disputes. Reports suggest that internal conflicts have led to information leaks, exposing broader operational challenges, including issues of competence, procedural integrity, and confidentiality breaches.
Detective Denysyuk's recent dismissal follows a familiar pattern. The law enforcement officer shifted into the political sphere after publicly disclosing a series of internal matters that ultimately discredited NABU. Denysyuk openly admitted that he struggled to fulfill his duties and is now transitioning to a political role as an aide to Anastasia Radina, the head of the Verkhovna Rada’s Anti-Corruption Committee.
MP Radina, a former employee of the Anti-Corruption Action Center (Shabunin's organization), is responsible for overseeing NABU. However, instead of ensuring accountability, she appears to be facilitating employment opportunities for former NABU staff. This dynamic raises concerns about the integrity of anti-corruption efforts, as it resembles more of an internal network than an independent oversight system. According to available information, Denysyuk plans to continue leveraging this situation for publicity and has even expressed aspirations of becoming NABU’s director in the future.
What is behind the scandal?
Firstly, the case highlights violations of anti-corruption legislation and a lack of consequences. According to Article 26 of the Law "On the Prevention of Corruption," a former detective, as a person authorized to perform state functions, is prohibited from disclosing information obtained in the course of official duties. However, after resigning, Andrii Denysyuk began publicly leaking internal data. Such actions constitute an administrative offense, leading to inclusion in the register of corrupt officials. Moreover, concerns arise about the potential sharing of NABU’s internal affairs with his new employer. As legal experts note, this situation represents not only a direct conflict of interest but also a clear violation of the law, further exposing internal disorder within NABU. Despite these apparent infractions, there has been no response from the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), the State Bureau of Investigation, or NABU’s leadership.
Secondly, NABU is facing a professional crisis. Reports indicate that only a minimal number of detectives were assigned to certain investigations, with at least one leaving upon realizing they could not effectively handle the case.
Thirdly, there is a lack of effective oversight of anti-corruption bodies. While parliamentary deputies are tasked with ensuring accountability, some have instead developed close ties with these institutions. This is exemplified by Andrii Denysyuk’s transition to the role of assistant to the head of the Verkhovna Rada’s Anti-Corruption Committee, raising concerns about impartiality and oversight effectiveness.
In a few months, NABU will mark its 10th anniversary. Yet, throughout this period, none of its leaders have reported to parliament on their activities or explained how billions in budgetary funds – aside from fueling scandals – have been spent. Rather than ensuring effective anti-corruption efforts, the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS), NABU, and grant-funded activists have formed a system of mutual protection, enabling those within it to act with impunity.
The case of Andrii Denysyuk serves as a striking example of how one individual, through a single act and a lack of professionalism, exposed the internal chaos, mismanagement, and lawlessness within an institution that was meant to be a model of Ukrainian anti-corruption efforts. However, that vision never materialized – and now, it seems increasingly unlikely that it ever will.
Source: Oleg Posternak / Facebook
