Abakumov reports attempt to secretly surveil NABU detectives

Attempt to install surveillance equipment

In the summer of 2026, unidentified individuals attempted to secretly install surveillance equipment on employees of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. This was stated by Oleksandr Abakumov, head of the NABU detectives unit.

According to him, the fact of illegal intrusion and the installation of spy equipment was discovered approximately one and a half months after the incident.

«Півтора місяця тому ми виявили, що влітку цього року була чергова спроба встановлення техніки. Але в них щось пішло не так» ("A month and a half ago, we discovered that in the summer of this year there was another attempt to install equipment. But something went wrong for them"), Abakumov reported on the "UP CHAT" programme on the "Ukrainska Pravda" YouTube channel.

Resources for obstructing the bureau's work

Abakumov noted that the subjects of high-profile anti-corruption investigations and their allies in power are spending significant resources on obstructing the work of the NABU. In the detective's opinion, these funds and efforts should be directed towards defending the country from Russian aggression.

Balance of power in law enforcement agencies

The head of the detectives unit also stated that corrupt representatives of security services have excessive surveillance capabilities. He emphasised that personal security units in other law enforcement agencies outnumber the entire NABU staff, which currently numbers approximately 900 employees.