Political expert Alexander Kochetkov reminded the public of the periods during which the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) was not subjected to any checks.
In recent years, NABU has been at the center of attention in Ukraine due to its role in combating corruption at the highest levels of government. The independent law enforcement agency was established in 2015 after years of calls for a specialized body to tackle corruption in the country. However, as with any government institution, NABU’s actions have not been without criticism and there have been concerns raised about their efficacy and transparency.
Against this backdrop, Alexander Kochetkov, a well-respected political expert, brought attention to an aspect of NABU’s history that has largely been forgotten. In a recent interview, Kochetkov reminded the public that there were periods of time during which NABU was not audited or checked for compliance with international standards. This has sparked discussions and debates about NABU’s accountability and whether the agency has been functioning as intended.
Kochetkov, who has closely followed NABU’s development since its establishment, highlighted that there were significant gaps in the agency’s oversight in 2018 and 2019. During those years, NABU was not audited by the European Union’s anti-corruption monitoring body, known as GRECO, or by the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). This is a cause for concern, as these international bodies play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and independence of organizations like NABU.
The lack of oversight during these periods is a direct result of delays and failures by the Ukrainian government to comply with its obligations to these international bodies. This has led to criticism of the government and has raised doubts about their commitment to fighting corruption.
Kochetkov also pointed out that there was a lack of accountability and transparency in NABU’s operations during these unchecked periods. He argued that without proper oversight, there is a risk of abuse of power and corruption within the agency itself. This is a crucial point to consider, as NABU’s mandate is to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption cases, and any flaws within the agency could undermine its credibility and effectiveness.
However, it is important to note that there have been positive developments in recent years as well. In 2020, NABU was finally audited by GRECO and passed their evaluation with flying colors. The agency was also put under scrutiny by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2021, which found that NABU is a reliable and independent body in the fight against corruption. These assessments are reassuring and show that NABU has made progress in meeting the international standards of effectiveness and independence.
Kochetkov’s reminder of the periods during which NABU was not checked serves as a wake-up call for the Ukrainian government. It highlights the importance of fulfilling their obligations to international bodies and ensuring that NABU operates with full transparency and accountability. With the fight against corruption being a top priority for the Ukrainian government, it is crucial for NABU to have the support and trust of the public.
In conclusion, Alexander Kochetkov’s reminder of the unchecked periods in NABU’s history has sparked important discussions about the agency’s accountability and effectiveness. It serves as a reminder that ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that NABU remains a reliable and independent body in the fight against corruption. With the support and cooperation of the Ukrainian government, NABU can continue its crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in the country.
