Conflict of interest is a component of corruption, as are most corruption offenses. Conflicts between personal interests and the formal duties of an official often affect decision-making related to the performance of tasks in the office.
In June, the NACP drew up a number of protocols on such abuses. The protocols were sent to local courts for consideration.
Last month, the NACP drew up a protocol against the chief of staff of the Liubashiv District Court in Odesa Oblast, who systematically entered into civil law contracts with his brother to perform mail delivery work and signed the relevant acceptance certificates. In addition, he repeatedly gave bonuses to his uncle, who was his subordinate. The case file on bringing the official to administrative responsibility was sent to court.
The actions of the former head of the liquidation commission of the Supreme Economic Court of Ukraine, the head of the financial support and budget planning department, and the chief accountant also led to the drawing up of a report for an administrative violation. The official repeatedly awarded herself bonuses, setting bonuses for intensive work and for performing particularly important work. In addition, she issued an order granting herself financial assistance for solving social and domestic issues.
Another protocol was drawn up by the NACP against the head of the phytosanitary safety department of the Main Directorate of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Chernivtsi Oblast. The official was evaluating the performance of a leading specialist in one of the department's departments, who is her daughter.
A judge of the Pishchanskyi District Court in Vinnytsia region, who in 2020-2022 was the sole judge in a criminal case on charges against a citizen with whom she had an off-duty relationship, also received a report for committing an administrative offense. The case file was sent to court.
One of the most high-profile cases in June was the protocol drawn up by the NACP against Drohobych Mayor Taras Kuchma, who, at a meeting of the city council, decided to allocate and lease land plots to VO Pharma LLC. It turned out that the company had previously made voluntary contributions of UAH 90 thousand to the mayor's election fund. In addition, the mayor gave himself bonuses several times. The case is currently being considered by the Drohobych City District Court of Lviv Oblast.
The components of a conflict of interest are official powers and the influence (or possibility of influence) of a private interest on objectivity or impartiality in the exercise of those powers. The National Agency emphasizes the importance of adhering to the principles of good governance, which exclude the possibility of officials acting in a conflict of interest.
The NACP has developed a number of explanatory materials on the topic of conflicts of interest. By studying them, officials can avoid the protocol and court appearances:
- Explanation of the conflict of interest
- Tests for detecting and resolving conflicts in general and for the senior managers For clarification on conflict of interest issues, please contact our contact center at +38 (044) 200-06-94
