NABU Dismisses Deputy Over Suspected Information Leak

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has dismissed its first deputy amid allegations of personally and professionally discrediting a bureau employee over a suspected leak. The deputy, identified as Gizo Uglava, denied the accusations and plans to challenge the decision in court. This comes as Ukraine intensifies anti-corruption measures as part of its EU membership bid.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has dismissed its first deputy over a suspected leak within the organization, a key player in Ukraine's anti-graft efforts as it seeks European Union membership. NABU revealed through Telegram that its disciplinary commission found the deputy had taken actions aimed at discrediting a bureau employee who reported possible information leakage.

The agency withheld further details and did not name the deputy. However, Gizo Uglava, who holds the position according to NABU's website, denied any wrongdoing in a Facebook statement. 'The next steps in proving my innocence in the cases against me will be to go to court,' Uglava stated.

Anastasia Radina, head of the parliamentary anti-corruption committee, confirmed the dismissal on Facebook, stating the official had been ousted for pressuring a whistleblower. In May, a law enforcement source reported that the leak jeopardized a high-profile investigation into a government-funded road-building project. Rooting out corruption remains critical as Ukraine strives for EU membership, with public tolerance for official misconduct diminishing amid prolonged conflict with Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)