Head of SAPO Oleksandr Klymenko accuses Ukraine’s SBU of systematic pressure and disrupting anti-corruption operations, citing leaks, surveillance, and interference in NABU investigations.

Ukraine’s top anti-corruption prosecutor has accused the country’s domestic security service of systematically undermining high-profile investigations—raising new concerns about institutional conflict at a critical moment in Kyiv’s reform path.

According to Klymenko, the pressure is not isolated but systemic.

“We feel resistance from the system,” he said. “First of all, law enforcement agencies are involved. As always, the Security Service of Ukraine is leading here, and its actions in some way hinder our work.”

Disrupted Operations and Alleged Leaks

Klymenko pointed to a failed operation in Ukraine’s Sumy region as a key example. During the operation, an NABU detective was detained by SBU officers at a checkpoint — an incident that, according to SAPO, derailed a broader plan to arrest multiple suspects.

“The entire operation collapsed,” Klymenko said. “It was designed to detain a larger group, but after funds were transferred, those involved were warned that NABU was working.”

He added that investigators are examining whether the disruption was linked to SBU actions, noting that the detention of NABU personnel was the only visible obstacle.

Surveillance and Information Leaks

In another case cited by Klymenko, SBU officers allegedly conducted surveillance on an NABU detective investigating corruption within customs authorities.

According to SAPO, information about the detective’s movements and activities was passed to customs officials, effectively compromising the investigation.

“As a result, the operation was disrupted,” Klymenko said, adding that the claims are supported by documented correspondence.

He also revealed that listening devices were recently discovered on an NABU detective leading investigations into defense-sector corruption — cases that reportedly included scrutiny of the SBU itself.

A Breakdown in Cooperation

Klymenko expressed concern over what he described as a fundamental breakdown in cooperation between institutions that are supposed to jointly combat corruption.

“In theory, we should be working together,” he said. “The mission of NABU and SAPO is to counter corruption that threatens national security. The SBU should be equally interested in this. But in practice, we are seeing the opposite.”

He emphasized that such interference undermines not only individual cases but also broader efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s rule of law—an issue closely watched by Western partners, including the United States and the European Union.

Implications for Reform and Trust

The allegations come at a sensitive time, as Ukraine seeks to demonstrate tangible progress in anti-corruption reforms amid its ongoing war with Russia and its bid for deeper integration with Western institutions.

Independent anti-corruption bodies like NABU and SAPO have been central to these efforts, often seen as benchmarks for transparency and accountability.

Any perception of internal obstruction or political interference risks weakening international confidence—particularly among U.S. policymakers and European partners who view anti-corruption progress as a cornerstone of long-term support.

Klymenko stopped short of assigning definitive blame but stressed that repeated incidents point to a troubling pattern.

“I cannot imagine a situation where we would detain an SBU officer during an operation and interfere with their work,” he said. “But on their side, unfortunately, such cases occur.”

As investigations continue, the allegations are likely to intensify scrutiny of Ukraine’s law enforcement coordination—and test the resilience of its anti-corruption institutions at a pivotal moment.

Discover more in the full Interview with Oleksandr Klymenko.

EMPR