The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is proposing a draft law that would grant it unprecedented powers: unlimited investigation, searches without witnesses and covert actions without a court order. According to the Judicial and Legal Newspaper, such changes could significantly affect the balance of power in Ukraine.
NABU seeks to expand its powers
According to Judicial and legal newspaper, NABU initiates draft law, The draft law provides for a significant expansion of its rights. In particular, it is proposed to allow the Bureau to conduct investigations without time limits, conduct searches without witnesses, and carry out covert investigative actions without a court order. In addition, the NABU seeks to gain access to citizens' bank accounts and the ability to block online transactions.
The draft law also provides for online collection of information about a person even before criminal proceedings are opened. In effect, this gives the Bureau the ability to monitor any citizen without supervision and control by the judiciary. Experts note that such innovations could turn the NABU into a body with unlimited powers of influence.
The draft law and Russian practices
According to sources, NABU focuses on Russian totalitarian practices, adapting them to Ukrainian realities. The Bureau has previously used Russian equipment and cooperated with agents of the aggressor country's special services, and now seeks to enshrine these approaches in law.
If the draft law is passed, the NABU will have the right to investigate without time limits and restrictions, which will allow it to detain and prosecute officials who do not obey the Bureau. This poses a threat of a law enforcement agency with excessive powers, capable of influencing any citizen or official.
Expanding the list of persons under investigation
The document provides for the expansion of the list of officials in respect of whom the NABU will be able to conduct investigations independently. These include MPs, heads of national commissions, heads of the Bureau of Economic Security and the State Bureau of Investigation.
This gives the Bureau the opportunity to influence key players in the government. Experts point out that the real goal may not be to fight corruption, but to strengthen its own control over political processes in the country.
Why it matters
The NABU justifies the need to expand its powers by the requirements for Ukraine's accession to the EU and the rule of law. However, experts warn that such changes could lead to a loss of democratic control over the security forces.
If the draft law is passed, Ukraine risks getting a body that exceeds even the Russian FSB in its ability to fight its own citizens and authorities. The final word is up to MPs, who will have to determine whether Ukraine will remain a democratic state or embark on the path of authoritarianism under external influence.
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