Investigation into NABU Director Semen Kryvonos
Former Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko has revealed the second part of an investigation concerning Semen Kryvonos, the Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). The inquiry accuses Kryvonos of allegedly soliciting $72,000 in exchange for a land plot in Kyiv region dating back to 2014. This probe relies on audio recordings and evidence presented by Kravchenko following his removal from office.
Several individuals are implicated in this case, including:
- Petro Horbenko, head of the village council
- Vitaliy Bulashenko, acting as an intermediary
- Vladyslav Ruzmatov, the complainant who agreed to cooperate with investigators
The events took place between March and November 2014, when Kryvonos headed the registration service of the Obukhiv city-district justice department in Kyiv region. According to the materials, Kryvonos, Horbenko, and others allegedly demanded $72,000 for a land parcel in the village of Tarasivka, Kyiv region. Ruzmatov initially requested free allocation of this land from Horbenko, who reportedly offered to facilitate the land transfer for $120,000. Recordings released by Kravchenko include Kryvonos referencing the dollar exchange rate as '13 or 14.'
Ruzmatov reported the matter to law enforcement and agreed to assist with the investigation. Kryvonos is accused of intending to use a front person to obtain the land without cost, which would then be sold to Ruzmatov. Vitaliy Bulashenko served as the middleman in this arrangement. An appraiser undervalued the land at $149,000 instead of $345,000 to reduce tax liabilities. Once the investigation became known, the transaction was halted. Kravchenko suspects Kryvonos of soliciting a bribe and orchestrating document forgery.
Impact on Anti-Corruption Agencies
This case surfaced during the selection process for the NABU director position. In the investigation's first part, Kravchenko accused Kryvonos of a sham adoption scheme aimed at obtaining amnesty.
“I have formally charged NABU Director Semen Kryvonos.” - Ruslan Kravchenko
Additionally, charges were brought against an individual close to SAP head Oleksandr Klymenko for influencing the High Anti-Corruption Court leader, offering unlawful benefits, and aiding draft evasion.
Kravchenko also claims that the special operation 'Carthage' targeted the seizure of criminal case files from the Prosecutor General's Office related to NABU and SAP, with some files reportedly stolen. He links the searches at the Prosecutor General's Office to these events.
This investigation holds significant importance for Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions, highlighting the complexities and potential corrupt practices within state agencies. The ongoing inquiry could profoundly affect public confidence in these bodies and their ability to operate effectively amid current challenges.
As the investigation into Semen Kryvonos unfolds, it is essential to consider the broader implications of this case within Ukraine's ongoing struggle against corruption. The recent suspension of Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko by President Zelensky highlights the tensions between various anti-corruption bodies and the government, raising questions about the integrity of ongoing investigations and the future of accountability in Ukraine.