Ukrainian anti-corruption agency welcomes audit, providing it isn't a tick-box exercise

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has said it would welcome a thorough audit, similar to the one carried out last year.

Source: NABU Deputy Director Polina Lysenko in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "NABU itself is extremely interested in ensuring that it becomes more effective and transparent, and that every step brings the country closer to our shared goal: zero tolerance for corruption.

The possible commissioning of a NABU audit is neither a problem nor a risk. It is a tool.

Firstly, an audit is a normal and healthy management practice. It enables results to be honestly assessed, weaknesses to be identified, and the institution to be strengthened.

Secondly, it is a direct legal requirement that must be fulfilled.

Thirdly, it is important to remember that one of the key demands of NABU's current director Semen Kryvonos during the selection process was that the first-ever audit of the Bureau should be conducted. That audit took place last year."

Details: Lysenko said the audit "must be a tool for development rather than a mere box-ticking exercise".

She added that the previous audit contained not only internal conclusions but also clear recommendations for external stakeholders – the government and parliament – including the need to amend relevant legislation, particularly regarding the frequency of audits.

"We are open to this work," Lysenko said. "We have already begun working with the prime minister and the government to draw up proposals regarding the implementation of the recommendations from the previous audit, and we are willing to engage constructively with parliament to put these decisions into practice."

Background: As Ukrainska Pravda previously reported, the Cabinet of Ministers had planned to initiate an independent audit of NABU in mid-March, but the draft resolution was never brought up for consideration.

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