Russia-Linked Arrests Shake Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Crusaders

Investigation by Ukraine’s Security Service Leads to Over 70 Searches and Two Arrests

Key Details of the Probe

• Scope of Operations: More than 70 coordinated searches conducted across various locations.
• Outcome: Two individuals were detained in connection with the investigation.
• Target Agency: The focal point of the inquiry is the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau.
• Objective: To uncover potential misconduct and ensure adherence to anti‑corruption regulations.

Implications for the Bureau

The actions demonstrate the security service’s commitment to maintaining integrity within Ukraine’s anti‑corruption framework. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the case progresses.

Ukraine’s SBU Launches Raids on Anti‑Corruption Bureau Over Suspected Russian Ties

The State Security Service (SBU) announced a coordinated operation targeting the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) following accusations that certain NABU employees have collaborated with Russian intelligence. Two officials were detained, while further investigations into additional staff are underway.

Detained Personnel and Allegations

• Unnamed Infiltrator – accused of gathering and forwarding sensitive information on Ukrainian law‑enforcement officers to the Kremlin. Records show he transmitted data in at least 60 separate instances to contacts within the FSB. The SBU attributes his role to the coordination of Dmitry Ivantsov, former security chief of ex‑President Viktor Yanukovych, who allegedly facilitated Yanukovych’s escape to Russia in 2014 and subsequently joined the FSB.
• Ruslan Maghamedrasulov – detaineld on charges of aiding his father’s illicit industrial‑hemp venture in Russia and possibly sharing classified information with Russian agents.
• Fedir Khrystenko – a fugitive pro‑Russian politician suspected of influencing NABU through contacts with the FSB. The SBU will assess his impact on the bureau further.

Scope of the Operation

NABU reported that more than 70 searches were conducted across various Ukrainian regions, involving over 15 staff members. Many of these actions were justified by alleged involvement in traffic accidents, but a segment of the employees faces suspicions of connections to the aggressor state, Russia.

NABU’s Response

The anti‑corruption agency emphasized that there was no evidence linking the detained employee to anti‑state activities. After joint reviews with the SBU, the employee was determined to pose no threat. NABU criticized the use of force and the lack of a court mandate in carrying out the raids, stressing that a single risk case does not warrant suspending the entire bureau.

Key Takeaways

• The SBU is actively pursuing cases of potential espionage within Ukraine’s anti‑corruption bodies.
• Coordinated investigations involve high‑level security figures with ties to previous pro‑Russian administrations.
• Despite the arrests, NABU maintains that current findings do not substantiate widespread collaboration with Russia.

Concerns over crackdown

Transparency International Ukraine Criticises Unlawful Searches of Anti‑Corruption Workers

Key Findings: Searches carried out by the SBU without a court mandate reveal a deliberate push to pressure Ukraine’s anti‑corruption bodies.

Official Statements

• Transparency International Ukraine alleges that the authorities are actively undermining the independence of anti‑corruption institutions.
• The watchdog claims the actions are designed to extract information forcibly and steer investigations against senior officials.

International Reaction

Diplomats from G7 nations in Kyiv expressed serious concerns after meeting with representatives from the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU). They reiterated their commitment to:

• Transparency
• Independent institutions
• Good governance

They vow to address these developments with the Ukrainian government’s leadership.

Case of Anti‑Corruption Activist Vitaliy Shabunin

Transparency International Ukraine highlighted the arrest of anti‑corruption campaigner Vitaliy Shabunin, co‑founder of the Anti‑Corruption Action Centre, on charges of fraud and evading military service. They claim:

• The prosecution shows “political motivation.”
• Shabunin himself has stated that the authorities aim to “make an example” of him.

Implications

The combination of unlawful searches and high‑profile arrests underlines a growing trend of political interference in the anti‑corruption sector, putting Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen governance at risk.