“A Mini-NKVD”: Buzhansky Explained Why He Opposes Expanding the Powers of NABU and SAPO
5 May 16:23
In an interview with the "Komersant Ukrainian" YouTube channel, MP Maksym Buzhansky harshly criticized attempts by anti-corruption agencies to amend the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), calling such initiatives an attempt to create a “state within a state.”
In particular, he opposed the idea of extending investigation deadlines and granting additional powers to the authorities.
“They want cases to be able to drag on indefinitely. This is complete nonsense. Justice must be not only fair but also swift,” the MP noted.
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According to Buzhansky, in some cases, people and businesses have already suffered due to lengthy investigations. The lawmaker cited examples where pressure from law enforcement led to fatal consequences for companies with no real prospects of a court ruling.
“Unfortunately, we have certain cases where the reputation and business of those under investigation have suffered. For example, the business of ‘Archer’—one of the world’s best manufacturers of thermal imaging cameras—was ruined, and then it turned out that after three years, no one was even served with a notice of suspicion, and the case was closed. Excuse me, but where then is the accountability of those conducting the investigation?
The SAPO’s role is to evaluate the evidence and materials held by the NABU and determine whether there is a viable case or if the evidence is insufficient,” he emphasized.
In conclusion, the deputy stressed that anti-corruption agencies must work effectively, but without exceeding their authority.
“They want to create a mini-NKVD… We did everything to ensure the maximum effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies. We did it sincerely. But no one is going to turn them into a state within a state,” Buzhansky emphasized.
As is known, in September 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) closed a high-profile case against Archer, a company specializing in the production of thermal imaging sights, monoculars, and accessories. The basis for launching the investigation was a suspicion of embezzlement of state funds amounting to 1.5 billion hryvnias under contracts with the Ministry of Defense.
Investigators from NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) were unable to find sufficient evidence of criminal activity in the actions of Ministry of Defense officials and Archer. The investigation was initiated based on financial monitoring data from one of the European Union countries. After a thorough analysis of the procurement circumstances, a lawful decision was made to close the case.
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