The director of NABU predicts continued attacks on the agency following the restoration of its independence

The director of NABU predicts continued attacks on the agency following the restoration of its independence

He said this in an interview with Suspilne.

When Kryvonos was asked why the law restricting their powers was adopted, he replied: "The assumption is this: NABU and SAPO, despite all the accusations, dirty campaigns, and discreditation, are acting effectively."

According to him, only in the last six months, law enforcement officers have had a number of "extraordinarily high-profile revelations" — both of high-ranking officials, the deputy prime minister, and members of parliament. Multimillion losses in financial and industrial groups were recorded. 

He believes that the two anti-corruption structures "are really acting effectively," which, according to Kryvonos, is reflected in the indicators. 

"And, undoubtedly, at some point these forces united. We saw in parliament how former ’regionals’, representatives of the so-called opposition, representatives of the authorities, all together, synchronously voted for the liquidation of our independence. It was a huge mistake. It’s time to correct it and move on," emphasized the NABU director.

Kryvonos calls to adopt the new draft law as a basis and in general immediately, as was done with the one that deprived NABU and SAPO of independence. In his opinion, the consideration should not be delayed, as the risk will increase "geometrically." This is because until the new law appears, NABU and SAPO cannot investigate cases effectively.

However, even in the case of adopting the law, the attacks will continue — but they will be "more sophisticated," considers the head of the Bureau. He suggests that the electrification of society will continue, as well as messages that NABU and SAPO are ineffective. 

"Discreditation will intensify even more to prepare Ukrainian society that, ultimately, it’s time [to reform us]," he noted. 

At the same time, Kryvonos said that representatives of international institutions, the USA, the European Union, and the International Bank conducted an internal audit of NABU. They identified shortcomings and provided relevant recommendations. The structure plans to develop a plan and implement these recommendations to make its work more effective. 

"We need to meet the demand of Ukrainian society and prevent future attacks, as such an attack could not be withstood — we clearly realize and understand this. Therefore, [in our work there are] two components: to work and communicate with society. To communicate with those people who support us now," stated the Bureau’s director.