28 January, 22:49
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has found itself at the center of yet another scandal. According to lawyer Rostyslav Kravets, NABU leadership is deliberately "sabotaging" criminal cases against close associates, including Vitaliy Shabunin, while covering up actions that undermine Ukraine's independence and defense capabilities. The lawyer has even called for the liquidation of NABU, labeling it "an intelligence agency of foreign countries."
Key Allegations:
Vitaliy Shabunin's case was closed with irregularities.
Shabunin was accused of being absent from his military unit in 2022-2023, even though he was listed as seconded to the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP). During this time, he allegedly received:- A monthly salary of at least UAH 50,000.
- Additional combat mission allowances of UAH 30,000 per month.
Upon inspection, the Territorial Defense Forces Command discovered that Shabunin had not fulfilled his duties and was frequently seen dining at Kyiv restaurants instead of performing military tasks.
The role of NABU leadership.
Former NABU Director Artem Sytnyk and NACP Chairman Oleksandr Novikov are allegedly implicated in the case. According to Kravets, they manipulated documents to shield Shabunin from legal consequences.Suspicious actions by a NABU detective.
Detective Biryukov, responsible for the investigation, reportedly committed multiple acts of negligence that led to the closure of the case. However, a court later annulled the decision to close the proceedings, but the damage to NABU's reputation had already been done.
What Do Lawyers Say?
Rostyslav Kravets has described NABU as an "unnecessary structure" that "serves foreign partners" and fails to operate in Ukraine's best interests. He insists that the Bureau’s activities should be reevaluated, with its eventual liquidation as a solution.
What's Next?
The case against Shabunin remains open. Both the public and experts are awaiting its fair and transparent review. Meanwhile, the scandal surrounding NABU has sparked widespread outrage, casting doubts on the effectiveness of Ukraine's fight against high-level corruption.