Memorandum: SBI and USAID Office of the Inspector General will strengthen partnership on investigations of possible corruption or fraud involving international assistance funds
The State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID OIG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The document will facilitate further efforts to ensure oversight and accountability of USAID programmes provided during the russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Memorandum was signed by SBI Director Oleksii Sukhachov and Acting Head of the USAID Office of Inspector General Nicole L. Angarella. The signing was preceded by numerous visits to Ukraine by USAID Office of Inspector General officials.
The memorandum will facilitate the exchange of information on investigations of fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities related to USAID-funded programmes aimed at supporting our country and the Ukrainian people.
According to the parties, the established cooperation with the State Bureau of Investigation will strengthen the USAID Office of Inspector General's independent oversight of USAID programmes in Ukraine. These include humanitarian assistance, development programmes, and direct budgetary support to the Ukrainian Government in the amount of $22.9 billion.
"As I have made a commitment to Congress, USAID, and the American taxpayer, oversight of USAID's work in Ukraine is a top priority for my office," Ms Angarella said. She added: "We welcome the cooperation with the SBI under this Memorandum of Understanding for information sharing to detect, disrupt, investigate, and prosecute criminal activity that affects USAID's substantial assistance to Ukraine."
"Today, Ukraine has clearly stated its goal of being in the family of civilised nations. The State Bureau of Investigation is making systematic progress, implementing the best Western law enforcement practices in its work. In this regard, the signing of the Memorandum is another step towards Ukraine's European integration. We appreciate and look forward to further fruitful cooperation with the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)," said Oleksiy Sukhachov, Director of the Bureau.
In July, the USAID Office of Inspector General opened an office at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, where two criminal investigators will work on a permanent basis.