Activities of the Internal Control Department

In the first half of 2025, the activities of the NABU Internal Control Department (ICD) focused on monitoring employees’ compliance with legal requirements, conducting integrity checks, responding to possible violations, evaluating candidates, and taking measures to prevent the leakage of official information.

Various tools were employed to monitor compliance with declaration requirements. Candidates for positions underwent assessments of their personal, professional, and moral qualities, as well as psychophysiological testing using a polygraph. In total, 231 individuals were screened, including 59 current NABU employees.

During the candidate background checks conducted over the six-month period, the ICD sent over 700 requests to state authorities. Checks were initiated for 73 individuals, of which 66 were completed.

As part of ongoing monitoring of employees' financial and property status, over 500 notifications of concluded transactions were analyzed. In one case, grounds were identified for an administrative protocol regarding the violation of gift-receiving restrictions. The case materials were referred to the National Police.

Each year, the ICD checks the timely submission of asset declarations by NABU staff. Of 731 declarations submitted this year, one case of late submission was identified. Additionally, the analysis prompted lifestyle monitoring for two employees. In one case, a disciplinary investigation was initiated, and the materials were sent to the National Agency on Corruption Prevention.

Based on the review of 242 appeals and complaints, 11 internal investigations were launched. Five employees were subjected to disciplinary action: two were dismissed, one received a severe reprimand, another received a reprimand, and one was issued a warning.

In line with the recommendations from the whistleblower interaction audit (conducted with UNODC support in November–December 2024), the ICD continues to improve its internal procedures for handling whistleblower reports, particularly with regard to ensuring anonymity.

To reduce the risk of information leaks in NABU cases, the ICD, in cooperation with detective units, assessed the relevant risks at each stage of investigations and prepared practical recommendations on information handling.