Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators have initiated a search of a property in Germany belonging to a former advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to reports in “Der Spiegel”, Bavarian law enforcement officials executed the search warrant on July 15th, responding to a legal assistance request from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).
The timing of the German search raises significant questions. Just one week later, President Zelenskyy issued decrees temporarily suspending the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and another government agency. This action has triggered widespread protests within Ukraine and drawn criticism from European Union officials. Concerns have been voiced regarding the potential for impeding investigations involving current and former members of Zelenskyy’s inner circle.
Prominent Ukrainian anti-corruption activist Daria Kaleniuk has suggested the case may have been a contributing factor in the President’s decision to sign the legislation temporarily suspending NABU. The ensuing strong opposition appears to have prompted a reconsideration; President Zelenskyy has subsequently proposed a new law aimed at ensuring the independence of anti-corruption bodies.