Former NABU detective Likunov spoke about a conflict of interest while working at Ukrzaliznytsia after investigating corruption there

The actions that have become the subject of discussion are considered a conflict of interest, violate anti-corruption norms, and may indicate criminal offenses. Political expert Oleg Posternak expressed this opinion.

“NABU senior detective Taras Likunov, engaged in corruption investigations at Ukrzaliznytsia, decided to change jobs, resigning from NABU and taking the position of Deputy Director for Corporate Security at the company. Ukrzaliznytsia is attractive for abuses, since he was well aware of corruption schemes,” Posternak noted.

The expert noted that before moving to a new position, Likunov “vacated” one of the vacancies, raising suspicions about another company employee, which allowed him to take this position.

The Law “On Prevention of Corruption” prohibits persons who held official positions from working in companies that were under their control or supervision for a year after dismissal. Posternak also emphasized that this could be a possible abuse of power and the obtaining of illegal benefits.

Posternak’s information suggests that in his new position, Likunov receives a salary that is twice as high as his previous one. “The detective could have violated a significant number of legislative norms and must be held accountable for this,” he said.

The expert’s comment was prompted by news reports that Likunov is the brother of Olena Shcherban, a board member of the Anti-Corruption Center. Shcherban was recently accused of a conflict of interest because she became the lawyer for NABU official Maghamedrasulov, who is suspected of links to illegal drug trafficking.

“This situation can be viewed as a family ‘anti-corruption’ contract: an activist, a brother-detective with a dubious career development at Ukrzaliznytsia,” he emphasized.

The expert also recalled that lawyer Bohdan Ustimenko was the first to bring this story to light and draw attention to the inconsistencies in Likunov’s declarations: he had owned shares in an agricultural company that had previously been investigated in connection with corruption cases.

“Although some time has passed, there has been no reaction from the relevant authorities. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office are silent, despite numerous scandals. The NACP also fails to respond to the declarations of officials and has not addressed possible cases of illicit enrichment. Anti-corruption activists also often remain silent, which can be attributed to family ties. Everyone seems to be silent,” Posternak concluded.

Previously, representatives of the Anti-Corruption Center were accused of double standards. In particular, Olena Shcherban, as a member of the Center’s board, was associated with a scandalous individual, a NABU detective who was suspected of involvement in illegal activities.