NABU prepares anti-corruption raids at Ukraine's Defence Ministry - Politico
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) prepares to conduct a new series of raids and inspections at the Ministry of Defence, - reports Politico with reference to Ukrainian and Western officials.
According to the publication, Investigation reveals frequent cases of price gouging in public procurement for the army, including food, uniforms and fuel.
«Very often, prices are several times higher than market prices. This is not only a matter of finances, but also of Ukraine's reputation among its partners,» a Politico source said.
Context and implications
Raids prepared by the NABU together with the SAPO, become part of a broader anti-corruption campaign, The country's ongoing reform process, which follows a series of scandals in state-owned companies and the energy sector.
According to journalists, The investigation into the Ministry of Defence has been ongoing since the summer, and now the investigators are moving to the active phase. It is expected that inspections will affect procurement departments, financial departments and contractors, which supplied goods to the front.
«International partners demand maximum transparency in the use of funds received by Ukraine as part of military assistance,» the report says.
International reaction
The US and EU have repeatedly emphasised that anti-corruption reform is a key condition for further support to Kyiv.
At the same time, Western diplomats note that Public investigations against top officials are a sign of the independence of Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies.
«If Ukraine demonstrates a willingness to punish even the highest officials, it will only strengthen its credibility,» one European expert told Politico.
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