Ukraine Conducts Widespread Raids, Arrests Anti-Corruption Officials Amid Russia Spy Probe

Ukrainian security services, particularly the SBU and Prosecutor General’s Office, have conducted extensive raids and arrests targeting officials from the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), citing allegations including Russian espionage, business ties with Russia, and unrelated charges like traffic accidents. NABU condemned these actions as excessive and politically motivated, warning that the extensive searches and a concurrent audit could compromise ongoing anti-corruption investigations and disrupt the bureau’s operations. Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International and activists such as Vitaliy Shabunin criticized the moves as undue pressure undermining Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, with calls for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to ensure the independence of these bodies. Zelenskiy’s office denies political motivation behind the prosecutions, though reports suggest the raids may be linked to investigations involving officials close to the president. The crackdown reflects ongoing concerns about Russian infiltration within Ukrainian government agencies but has sparked controversy over the legality and intent of the security actions, including allegations of physical force used during raids and searches conducted without court warrants. NABU’s leadership has also been affected, with key figures interrupting foreign trips amid the turmoil, highlighting the high stakes of this internal conflict within Ukraine’s fight against corruption.