NABU’s Request to the SBU
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has sent formal requests to multiple ministries and state agencies, demanding access to personal data on covert operatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) who serve as active reserve officers. The request covers the period from 2025 to the present and seeks full names, dates of birth, military ranks, positions, appointment dates, and tenure details for these individuals. It also asks for information on the roles from which SBU officers were seconded to state bodies, along with a complete list of their rights, duties, and authorities.
Reaction to the Request
Maksym Buzhanskyi, a Ukrainian lawmaker and member of the parliamentary committee on law enforcement, published the text of the letter addressed to the ministries. He noted that the requests are not tied to any specific criminal case but could seriously undermine counterintelligence operations. In his words,
“it would be extremely difficult to expect successful counterintelligence work if information about SBU personnel were disclosed, transmitted, and processed in this manner.”
The requested data pertains to SBU officers responsible for interagency coordination and collaboration within counterintelligence activities. The information includes not only personal details but also descriptions of their duties and powers within the national security framework. This move by NABU has sparked debate among government officials and experts, who emphasize the importance of transparency in law enforcement operations.
NABU’s demand for SBU personnel data reflects a push for greater transparency in law enforcement, which could significantly impact counterintelligence efforts in Ukraine. Given current security challenges such as external aggression and internal threats, effective coordination between state agencies is more critical than ever. The response to this request and its consequences may greatly influence public trust in law enforcement and its ability to safeguard the nation.
In light of NABU's push for transparency, recent developments have raised concerns about the security of law enforcement operations. A related incident involving the discovery of surveillance devices in the home of NABU's lead detective highlights the ongoing tensions and potential risks faced by anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine. For more insights into this troubling situation, see our coverage on the surveillance devices found at NABU's detective's residence.