Kiev announces progress in combating corruption battle
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have uncovered a major bribery and graft scheme related to the procurement of drones, involving inflated state contracts and resulting in several arrests, including a sitting MP and other officials from the National Guard.
The scandal emerged shortly after Ukraine's parliament restored the independence of these anti-corruption bodies. The investigation centres on state funds being misused in contracts for drones, which are a vital military asset in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, used extensively for reconnaissance and strikes.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) released a joint statement detailing the scheme but withheld the names of detainees. The matter is ongoing, with authorities continuing investigations following the arrests.
The suspects are accused of signing contracts for the purchase of drones at inflated prices and then pocketing up to 30 percent in bribes. This is not the first time corruption cases have been uncovered in the Ukrainian army and defence ministry since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was informed about the ongoing investigation and emphasized the importance of anti-corruption fighters working independently. He had previously subordinated the anti-corruption agencies NABU and SAPO to the General Prosecutor's Office, but backed down following protests and criticism, and a new law was passed to restore their independence.
The EU has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine implement reforms in its bid to join the union, particularly addressing corruption and the misuse of funds. The total damage to the state budget from this scandal is not yet known.
Zelenskyy stated on his Telegram channel that "there can only be zero tolerance for corruption, clear teamwork to expose bribery - and ultimately, fair judgments." The law passed on Thursday gives Ukraine's anti-corruption fighters every chance to do so.
The scandal also targets public servants at the local level and members of the National Guard. The NABU announced the discovery of "systematic embezzlement" of public funds for the army and "the receipt and provision of undue advantages on a large scale." The Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, announced that the uniformed personnel involved have been suspended from duty, and Kusnezov's party membership has been suspended for the duration of the investigation.
Ukraine ranks 105th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat corruption. This investigation serves as a testament to Ukraine's commitment to fighting bribery and graft, and a step towards restoring public trust in its institutions.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-uncovered-drone-procurement-bribery-scheme-2021-10-01/ [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58981984 [3] https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/ukraine-s-anti-corruption-agencies-uncover-drone-procurement-bribery-scheme-involving-inflated-state-contracts.html
The ongoing investigation, involving a major bribery and graft scheme in the procurement of drones, has revealed systemic embezzlement of public funds for the army and the receipt of undue advantages on a large scale, highlighting the need for continuous efforts in Ukraine's employment and community policy to combat corruption. The EU has emphasized the importance of these reforms for Ukraine's accession into the union, particularly in the areas of politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice.
