Pavlo Petrenko: Authority toughens responsibility for acts of corruption

Adopted anti-corruption law has significantly toughened responsibility for acts of corruption and became one of the most revolutionary documents, which was passed by the Verkhovna Rada. This was started by Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko during the press conference at the Government House, commenting on the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the law of Ukraine "On amendments to some legislative acts of Ukraine in the sphere of state anti-corruption policy in connection with the implementation of the Action Plan on visa regime liberalization with the European Union".

"This document will become an impetus to the fight against corruption in Ukraine. The main thing is that the anti-corruption law has found its practical application in the authorities’ bodies and has wide support among citizens," the Minister said.

According to Pavlo Petrenko, the relevant law provides a number of additional provisions to strengthen responsibility for acts of corruption in the state and private sectors.

"If corrupt servants have been punished by the protocols on administrative responsibility, and had to pay a fine before and now criminal liability is provided for all corruption offences," the Minister of Justice noted.

According to him, the law introduces the external control over the accuracy of information stated in the income and expense declaration.

In addition, Pavlo Petrenko has informed on introduction of administrative liability for incorrect information provided in the declaration.

"The offer and promise of a bribe also become criminal offences. It is enough data about corruption agreements," the Minister said.

According to Pavlo Petrenko, the law also provides mechanisms for the confiscation of funds illegally obtained by state servants.

"Another very important innovation was to provide an opportunity for our citizens to notify the authorities about corruption in an anonymous manner. A lot of citizens do not inform about the facts of corruption, because they fear of further pressure on them," Mr. Petrenko stressed.

In addition, in accordance with this law Ukrainian banks have to provide information to the tax authorities in respect of the information specified in the declaration during their inspection.