+18 Kyiv
According to UNN, NABU detectives not only installed wiretapping devices and entered a legal office in the capital’s center but also carried out searches without proper legal grounds. These actions, reportedly conducted "until the decision was made by the investigating judge," are seen as a gross violation of the rights and legitimate interests of lawyers, the agency stated.
The National Bar Association insists that such actions undermine attorney-client privilege and legal safeguards, calling for an immediate investigation into the matter.
The association has alleged that NABU detectives conducted a search without a court order or even a basic prosecutor’s resolution. At the same time, the detectives were fully aware that they were entering a legally registered lawyers’ office, as its address is officially listed in the national lawyers' registry.
According to the complaint, the searches extended beyond the office premises. Detectives also raided the homes of the lawyers, where their wives and young children were present. Meanwhile, the lawyers themselves were effectively prevented from overseeing investigative actions taking place in their office.
The association also stated that no documents or items were seized during the searches.
The complaint specifically names NABU detective Fedir Oliynyk as the one who authorized the search, while detective Yaroslav Voronizhsky carried out the wiretapping operation. Voronizhsky was reportedly present during the search but was not officially listed as a participant. Witnesses claim he removed a package and a briefcase from the premises, which allegedly contained technical surveillance equipment.
The National Bar Association has condemned NABU’s actions, describing them as "criminal intent." According to the association, detectives aimed to gain access to confidential information shared between lawyers and their clients, as well as to uncover the defense’s legal strategy.
The statement further alleges that lawyers themselves discovered wiretapping devices placed into the floor of certain offices and inside the negotiation room, where privileged conversations with clients took place.
The National Bar Association of Ukraine has highlighted that the group of NABU detectives involved in the searches includes those who are actively investigating cases against the lawyers' clients.
In its statement, the association urged the Prosecutor General to intervene and ensure that criminal proceedings are initiated against NABU officials. It insists that their actions constitute violations of several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including Article 162 – Illegal entry into private property and unlawful searches conducted by an official, Article 365 – Abuse of power or official authority, Article 397 – Using official position to obstruct the lawful activities of a defense attorney.
The legal community is calling for accountability, arguing that these actions undermine the fundamental principles of attorney-client privilege and the rule of law.
