"Carthage 2.0": Expert points out key questions remaining unanswered after high-profile NABU and SAP operation

The high-profile operation "Carthage 2.0", conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), has sparked widespread public discussion. At the same time, according to expert Ihor Chalenko, as cited by RBC-Ukraine, public attention has shifted toward political speculations, while questions regarding the course of investigations, the legality of law enforcement actions, and their accountability remain in the shadows. For the third consecutive day, public discourse has been dominated by discussions on the reasons for conducting the operation at this specific time, the legitimacy of publishing recordings, and the potential consequences of the latest standoff between law enforcement agencies.

Shifting Focus: From Investigation to Political Confrontation

Ihor Chalenko emphasizes that public attention should primarily focus on the circumstances of the investigations and the effectiveness of anti-corruption bodies. According to him, the investigation of grave crimes must not be halted due to martial law, the high positions of the suspects, or their political connections. When evidence is present, accountability must occur regardless of status. The expert draws special attention to the case of Andriy Osypov: it is necessary to determine when exactly the investigation began, what procedural decisions were made at each stage, and whether there were attempts to close the proceedings.

Legality of Actions and the Issue of Timeliness

A separate block of questions raised by Chalenko concerns the legality of NABU and SAP actions during the investigations. The expert asks whether law enforcement officers had the opportunity to stop the alleged criminal activity earlier and whether there was sufficient evidence to do so. He also advocates for an independent audit of anti-corruption bodies, noting that public presentations of investigation results, the release of recordings, and high-profile searches should not substitute for an objective assessment of the legality and effectiveness of the agencies' work.

Criminal Proceedings Against Anti-Corruption Leadership

Another issue requiring clarification, according to the expert, is the status of criminal proceedings against the leadership of anti-corruption bodies, specifically Oleksandr Klymenko and Semen Kryvonos. Chalenko suggests clarifying the circumstances surrounding the closure of Semen Kryvonos's case by the Main Investigation Directorate (SBI) and checking whether pressure was exerted on investigators. In his belief, such audits should be conducted by independent specialists unconnected to the parties of the conflict.

Impact on Trust in State Institutions

The political analyst warns that constant confrontation between law enforcement structures and scandals surrounding officials negatively affect citizens' trust in state institutions. In this context, he raises the issue of the responsibility of the entire system of state power in ensuring the stable operation of state bodies amid internal conflicts. Summarizing, Chalenko emphasized 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 basis of legality, accountability, and independence from political influence.

Recall that as part of the "Carthage" operation, NABU released conversation recordings related to the activities of a new criminal organization. According to the investigation, its participants transferred improper benefits to law enforcement officials, with current representatives of the SBU, the National Police, and the Prosecutor General's Office allegedly involved in the illegal scheme. During the operation, NABU detectives detained General Serhiy Duka, who served as the first deputy head of the SBU department for the protection of national statehood. SBU Head Oleksandr Poklad dismissed two high-ranking special service officials featured in the investigation. On November 5, 2026, NABU and SAP notified five members of the criminal organization exposed under operation "Carthage" of suspicion.