NABU detective chief: Operation Carthage continues, corruption threatens the state's survival

Oleksandr Abakumov, head of the Detective Department of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), published a statement after the second phase of Operation Carthage. He stressed that the public has seen only what could be shown without compromising the investigation, and that a significant portion of the material cannot yet be released. According to him, the operation is ongoing.

What investigators announced

In the second phase, the first five members of a new criminal organisation were served notices of suspicion. According to the investigation, at least 12 people were involved in the group. Investigators' version of events is that a cover-up system for dozens of scam call centres may have operated. The published material shows how criminal circles interacted with law enforcement agencies and how attacks on people who opposed this criminal business were discussed.

Abakumov's assessment

Abakumov argues that corruption is not only about money or abuse of power, but about impunity. He says that when criminals can buy protection from law enforcers, and law enforcers turn their authority into a source of income, a mafia-like system emerges. In such a system, organised crime receives state protection, while corrupt officials receive money and influence.

He also stresses that corruption does not exist apart from society: it requires many people, including call centre operators, drug sellers, and those who provide cover or leak information about planned searches.

Fighting corruption during wartime

Abakumov rejected the view that the fight against corruption can wait until victory in the war. In his opinion, it is a prerequisite for the state's survival. He says NABU's goal is to root out systemic corruption and deprive organised crime of the ability to buy state protection. The text was published as the author's opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the position of the Ukrainska Pravda editorial board.