Forensic Experts in Ukraine Face Threats Amid High-Level Corruption Cases

Forensic experts in Ukraine who handle high-level corruption cases are increasingly facing threats and pressure to abandon their investigations. These tactics aim to influence the outcomes of criminal proceedings, where expert examinations are crucial for substantiating suspicions and securing convictions.

One recent case involved a forensic expert in the "Dynasty" case who was repeatedly urged to withdraw. The pressure included an unknown man waiting outside her home and intermediaries delivering further threats, including mobilizing her relatives and jeopardizing her professional license. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) are investigating the incident, exploring the potential involvement of individual officers from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Pressure on experts is not new in Ukraine's law enforcement system, with expert examinations historically serving as a means to influence case results across different political eras. While some attempts are now being documented and investigated, the scale of the problem is believed to be larger than apparent, as expert conclusions are vital in virtually every NABU and SAPO case, from embezzlement to procurement schemes.

Methods of exerting pressure vary. In one investigation concerning the misappropriation of UAH 141 million from Ukrzaliznytsia, recordings captured discussions among the accused about arranging for favorable expert opinions in exchange for unlawful benefits, with specific sums mentioned depending on the forensic institution. When influence proved ineffective with a private institution, the defense reportedly sought disciplinary proceedings and attempted to obtain protected information about the expert through the courts. Less visible methods include handwritten notes found in management offices of state forensic institutions, referencing specific cases and instructing staff to inform interested parties if an examination is assigned.