NABU, SAPO present achievements of 2023 and upcoming challenges to diplomats and development partners
The keen interest in Ukraine's progress in combating corruption and all-encompassing support for anti-corruption initiatives in the context of the country's restoration brought together over 40 distinguished guests who visited the National Bureau on Jan. 12, 2024.
NABU Director Semen Kryvonos and SAPO Head Oleksandr Klymenko highlighted key achievements of both agencies in 2023, including high-profile exposures of top corrupt officials.
Semen Kryvonos and Oleksandr Klymenko cited statistical data indicating a boost in the work of NABU and SAPO, as the number of suspects, indictments and accused persons reached an all-time high. Compared to the previous year, the results are twice as high.
During the meeting, the Director and his deputies outlined plans and priorities for NABU in 2024: implementing recommendations of independent technical assessments, recruiting new detectives, adopting the innovative electronic criminal case management system eCase, promoting Ukraine's accession to the OECD Working Group on Bribery, establishing a training center, and most importantly, increasing the number of investigations and exposures of high-level corruption.
Semen Kryvonos once again emphasized the importance of establishing an autonomous forensic institution and implementing NABU's right to independent wiretapping. He noted that fulfilling these needs would significantly enhance the efficiency and pace of investigations.
The Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, Oleksandr Klymenko, noted that among the primary challenges facing SAPO in 2024 are the intensification of corruption investigations in the defense sector, the complete repeal of the so-called "Lozovyi Amendments," and the development of SAPO as an independent institution.
