An expert named questions that remain unanswered after Operation "Carthage 2.0"

The high-profile NABU and SAP operation "Carthage 2.0" has sparked active public debate. At the same time, questions about the course of the investigations, the legality of law enforcement actions, and their accountability remain out of the spotlight.

According to the expert, discussions have been continuing for three days about why the operation was carried out now, the legitimacy of releasing the recordings, and the possible consequences of another confrontation between law enforcement agencies. At the same time, Ihor Chalenko believes public attention should be focused primarily on the circumstances of the investigations and the effectiveness of the anti-corruption agencies. The expert emphasizes that investigations of serious crimes should not be halted because of martial law, high positions of the suspects, or their political connections. Where there is evidence, the guilty must be held accountable regardless of their status. He drew particular attention to the case of Andrii Osipov. In Ihor Chalenko’s view, it is necessary to establish when the investigation began, what procedural decisions were made, and whether there were attempts to close the proceedings. In addition, the expert raised questions about the legality of NABU’s and SAP’s actions during the investigations. Specifically, this concerns whether law enforcement could have earlier stopped the allegedly criminal activity and whether there was sufficient evidence to do so. Chalenko also advocates for an independent review of the anti-corruption agencies’ activities. In his opinion, public presentations of investigation results, releasing recordings, and high-profile searches should not substitute for assessments of the legality and effectiveness of their work. Another issue requiring clarification, the expert said, is the status of criminal proceedings against members of the leadership of the anti-corruption agencies, in particular Oleksandr Klymenko and Semen Kryvonos. He proposes clarifying the circumstances of the DBR’s closure of the case against Semen Kryvonos, and also checking whether investigators were subjected to pressure. The political scientist believes such reviews should be conducted by independent specialists not connected to the parties to the conflict. Ihor Chalenko warns that the ongoing confrontation between law enforcement structures and scandals around high-ranking officials negatively affect citizens’ trust in state institutions. In this context, the expert raises the question of the responsibility of the entire system of state power to ensure the stable functioning of state bodies amid internal conflicts. Summing up, Ihor Chalenko stressed the need not only to establish the circumstances of specific searches and the publication of materials, but also to ensure that the law enforcement system operates on the principles of legality, accountability, and independence from political influence.

Operation "Carthage" Reminder: NABU released recordings of conversations related to the activities of a new criminal organization. According to the investigation, its members were passing unlawful benefits to high-ranking law enforcement officials. Law enforcement established that current representatives of the SBU, the National Police, and the Prosecutor General’s Office were involved in the illegal scheme. Note that as part of Operation "Carthage" NABU detectives detained General Serhii Duka, who served as first deputy head of the Department for the Protection of National Statehood of the SBU. In addition, SBU head Oleksandr Poklad dismissed two senior service officials who are mentioned in NABU’s investigation within Operation "Carthage." 5 November NABU and SAP informed about suspicions of five participants of the criminal organization uncovered the day before as part of Operation "Carthage."