Ukrainian media: Ukrainian security service conducts large-scale search of anti-corruption agency, threatening its independence, G7 ambassadors express “serious concerns”
According to Kyiv Independent News and Reuters on July 21st, the Ukrainian National Security Service conducted a large-scale search of the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NACA) in Ukraine on July 21st, accusing some employees of the NACA of having connections with Russia. The NACA stated that the Ukrainian Security Service did not obtain a court order for the search, which was deemed too severe, effectively paralyzing the agency. Ambassadors from the Group of Seven (G7) and the EU Mission to Ukraine have expressed their concerns about this action.
On July 21st local time, the Ukrainian Security Service launched a special operation against the NACA across various regions of Ukraine. Photo from Ukrainian media.
The Ukrainian Security Service reported that on July 21st local time, the Joint Prosecutor General’s Office conducted a special operation across various regions of Ukraine, aiming to “eliminate the influence of Russia on the NACA.” A Ukrainian official was arrested by the Ukrainian Security Service, accused of engaging in “spying” activities for Russia. Another official suspected of having commercial ties with Russia was also arrested.
The NACA stated that the Ukrainian Security Service and other departments had conducted at least 70 searches of at least 15 NACA staff members without obtaining court approval. During one search, despite the NACA staff not resisting, investigators used force. The NACA also mentioned, “We emphasize that any governmental institution faces the risk of infiltration, but this should not be an excuse to suspend the work of the entire institution.”
The NACA also claimed that the Ukrainian Security Service did not provide any evidence indicating that the NACA staff had transmitted any information to Russian intelligence agencies.
According to Reuters and the Ukrainian National News Agency, the G7 Ambassadors’ delegation issued a statement expressing their close monitoring of the investigation into the NACA. “Today, we met with the NACA representatives and expressed serious concerns about the situation development, planning to discuss these issues with government leaders,” the statement added. “We are committed to supporting openness, transparency, independent institutions, and good governance. We value cooperation with Ukraine and jointly fight corruption.”
Carolina Matsova, the head of the EU Mission to Ukraine, also stated in the declaration, “Ukraine has made significant progress in reform. Especially during the war, Ukraine achieved remarkable success while defending itself against Russia. Now, maintaining the achievements of reform is more crucial than ever, which is vital for Ukraine to continue receiving the support necessary to defeat its enemies.”
Source: / Lin Zeyu