Systemic Transformation of the ESBU: 2025 Performance Report
The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine presents its 2025 Performance Report for media and civil society.
The past year marked the starting point for the systemic transformation of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine. During this period, the foundation was laid for a new institution—transparent, accountable, and efficient—focused on analytics, prevention, and systemic economic impact.
A key step was the appointment of the ESBU Director in August, following an open competition. This ensured the Bureau's institutional stability and fulfilled Ukraine's international obligations regarding independence, transparency, and accountability.
Personnel reboot became one of the top priorities. A one-time attestation of employees has been launched with the participation of international experts and civil society representatives, alongside preparations for open competitions. The goal is to build a professional, honest, and motivated team.
In parallel, operational approaches were overhauled. The primary emphasis was placed on developing analytical capacity. The Bureau is shifting from reacting to committed offenses toward the systemic identification and prevention of economic risks.
The focus remained on combating tax evasion, illegal production of excise goods, smuggling, and the shadow circulation of products. In total, 6,896 criminal proceedings were active in 2025; 1,182 individuals were notified of suspicion, and 904 cases were referred to court.
The ESBU brought key markets out of the shadows by combining analytical work, law enforcement tools, and prevention. This involves not only exposing offenses but also eliminating the root causes of shadow schemes—seizing premises, confiscating hardware, and dismantling equipment. As part of these efforts, assets worth UAH 1.83 billion were seized.
Overall, the work of the detectives ensured the recovery of UAH 3.82 billion in damages.
At the same time, the Bureau is building engagement with business and civil society. Compliant businesses are viewed as state partners, while ESBU resources are concentrated on tackling systemic offenders who create unequal market conditions.
"We are establishing a new operational model for the ESBU—analytical, transparent, and result-oriented. Our task is not only to expose offenses but to foster an environment where operating honestly is more profitable than breaking the law," noted ESBU Director Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi.
