"Interaction with business is a tool of economic security" – Pavlo Buzdyhan on the new approaches of the ESBU

 Interaction with business and a risk-based approach are essential components of the operation of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine. This was stated by the Deputy Director of the ESBU, Pavlo Buzdyhan, during an open interview at the XI International Business Protection Forum.

According to Pavlo Buzdyhan, the ESBU is shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach by analyzing specific economic sectors and collaborating with businesses to detect and mitigate risks.

"For us, interaction with business is a tool for ensuring economic security. Business understands the market much more deeply. It grasps the trends occurring within each sector and recognizes which illicit schemes might become prominent," noted the Deputy Director of the ESBU.

Furthermore, Pavlo Buzdyhan highlighted the ESBU initiative to introduce a mechanism for the pre-trial settlement of tax offenses. Currently, criminal proceedings involving tax evasion can conclude with a guilty verdict, the release of the individual from criminal liability in accordance with the procedure established by law, or the dismissal of the case due to the absence of a criminal offense.

"We propose to settle this at the stage of the pre-trial investigation without bringing it to liability. That is, without a notification of suspicion, with the conclusion of an agreement, reimbursement by the enterprise of the damages caused to the state, and the payment of a fine," explained the Deputy Director of the ESBU.

Pavlo Buzdyhan also outlined the strategic priorities of the Bureau for 2026–2028. Among them are the de-monopolization of priority areas of the economy, a risk-oriented approach, integrity, digitalization, and the implementation of innovative solutions.

Special attention during the conversation was paid to the attestation of ESBU employees. According to the Deputy Director, the procedure is one of the key elements of the institution's transformation.

He also reminded that the ESBU continues to form its team and conducts open competitions for vacant positions.

The full interview can be viewed at the link.

The open interview was conducted by the Managing Partner of AVER LEX Attorneys-at-Law, Co-Chair of the Business Protection & WCC Board of the AAU, Olha Prosianiuk.

The XI International Business Protection Forum was attended by representatives of state authorities, business, the legal profession, and the expert community, who discussed topical issues of entrepreneur protection and the economic security of the state.