SAP and NABU Launch Criminal Proceedings Against AMCU Head Following Journalist’s Investigation into Family’s Assets Worth 70 Million Hryvnias
In a recent development, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have initiated criminal proceedings against the Chairman of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU), Pavel Kirilenko. The move comes after a journalist’s investigation revealed that Kirilenko’s family owns assets worth 70 million hryvnias, which is significantly higher than the family’s declared income.
The investigation, conducted by journalist Natalia Sedletska, revealed that Kirilenko’s wife and two sons own several luxury properties, including a villa in Italy, a penthouse in Kyiv, and a country house in the exclusive Koncha-Zaspa area. The total value of these properties is estimated to be around 70 million hryvnias, which is in stark contrast to the family’s declared income of 2.7 million hryvnias in 2019.
This revelation has raised serious concerns about the possible abuse of power and corruption within the AMCU, which is responsible for ensuring fair competition in the Ukrainian market. Kirilenko, who has been the head of the AMCU since 2016, has denied any wrongdoing and claims that the properties were purchased with legitimate funds. However, NABU and SAP have deemed it necessary to launch a criminal investigation into the matter.
The decision to initiate criminal proceedings against Kirilenko has been welcomed by the public and civil society organizations, who have long been calling for stricter measures to combat corruption in Ukraine. In recent years, the country has made significant progress in its fight against corruption, with the establishment of NABU and SAP being one of the key steps. These agencies have been tasked with investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption cases, and their actions have resulted in the conviction of several high-ranking officials.
The current case against Kirilenko is a testament to the effectiveness of these anti-corruption bodies and sends a strong message that no one is above the law. It also highlights the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering corruption and holding those in power accountable. The journalist behind the investigation, Natalia Sedletska, has been praised for her courage and dedication in exposing the truth.
The investigation into Kirilenko’s family assets has also shed light on the issue of asset declarations in Ukraine. Under the law, all public officials are required to declare their assets and income to prevent conflicts of interest and hidden wealth. However, the effectiveness of this system has been called into question, as seen in the case of Kirilenko’s family. This case serves as a reminder that more efforts are needed to improve the transparency and accountability of public officials.
The initiation of criminal proceedings against Kirilenko has also sparked discussions about the need for stronger anti-corruption measures in Ukraine. Some experts believe that the existing anti-corruption legislation is not sufficient to tackle the deep-rooted corruption in the country and that more comprehensive reforms are needed. The government has pledged to continue its efforts in this regard, and the current case serves as a wake-up call for authorities to take more decisive actions.
In conclusion, the launch of criminal proceedings against the AMCU head Pavel Kirilenko by NABU and SAP is a significant step towards combating corruption in Ukraine. The investigation into his family’s assets worth 70 million hryvnias has raised important questions about the transparency and accountability of public officials. It also highlights the crucial role of investigative journalism in exposing corruption and promoting a more just and fair society. The Ukrainian government must continue to prioritize its fight against corruption and take effective measures to ensure that those in power are held accountable for their actions.
