Ukraine's Law Enforcement Agencies Clash Again

SBU vs. NABU: A Public Disagreement

In Ukraine, two major law enforcement agencies are at odds once again. The SBU (Ukraine's security service) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) are in a public disagreement, a scenario that is not new. They had a significant confrontation in July that caused a political stir. Now, it's happening again.

The Latest Accusations

This time, the SBU is accusing NABU of targeting a former high-ranking agent for personal reasons. NABU, however, has charged this former agent with illegal enrichment. They allege that he acquired a luxurious Kyiv apartment using illegal funds and lied about it.

The SBU is unhappy with these charges, claiming that NABU is merely retaliating for the arrest of two of its officials earlier. Those officials were accused of having ties to Russia, a serious matter given Ukraine's efforts to demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption, especially during the war.

Background: The July Incident

Back in July, the SBU arrested several anti-corruption officials, leading to a significant debate in Ukraine. Some lawmakers proposed limiting the powers of NABU and its sister agency, SAPO. However, there was considerable public outcry, and even Ukraine's international partners criticized the move. Ultimately, President Zelenskiy reversed the decision and restored the agencies' powers.

The Tension Between Agencies

This situation highlights the tension between older agencies like the SBU and newer ones like NABU. The SBU is a large, powerful agency with responsibilities ranging from counterintelligence to military operations. While it is praised for its role in the war, it has also been accused of engaging in political dirty work, such as spying on journalists.

NABU and SAPO, on the other hand, were established after Ukraine's 2014 uprising to combat corruption. They are seen as independent and effective, which is why they are closely watched by Western allies. These allies want Ukraine to address corruption to eventually join the European Union.

Criticism and Concerns

Not everyone is pleased with NABU and SAPO's work. Some officials dislike being scrutinized and have attempted to curtail their powers. The directors of these agencies are chosen by an international committee, while the SBU chief is appointed by the president.

Experts suggest that this clash underscores the "polarisation" of Ukraine's law enforcement agencies. They fear that such infighting could lead to distrust and unprofessional behavior. One lawmaker even stated that all agencies need to act like professionals, not politicians or activists.

The Future of the Conflict

Yevhen Krapyvin, from a Kyiv think-tank, believes this story is far from over. He anticipates more developments in the ongoing battle between Ukraine's law enforcement agencies.