Andriy Legin is a detective at NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine) and co-author and instructor of the “Investigating Corruption Crimes” course in the “Anti-Corruption Studies” master’s program at the ACREC analytical center. His path to anti-corruption work was unconventional: after graduating from Kyiv National University’s Law School in 2003, he spent seven years in advertising and marketing before returning to the legal profession in 2010.
The Revolution of Dignity (Maidan Revolution) in 2014 became a turning point in Andriy’s career. He decided to put his skills and experience to use for the state and successfully passed the competition to become a detective at the newly established NABU, where he has been working for nine years now. “I planned to stay for a shorter term, help the state, and return to the private sector. But now I can’t leave this work because I understand its social value and importance,” says Andriy.
What It Means to Be a NABU Detective
The detective position, established in 2014, combines the functions of both investigator and operative officer. NABU detectives investigate crimes committed by high-ranking state officials and cases where the subject matter of the crime or damages exceed a specified amount.
“What I enjoy most about the work is interacting with people: gathering information, building informant networks, conducting interrogations,” Andriy shares. “The most challenging part for me is working with documents and outdated Soviet-era documentation standards.”
To become a NABU detective, one needs a law degree and at least two years of legal experience. In addition, Andriy emphasizes the importance of soft skills:
- People skills and active listening, as a significant part of detective work involves communication
- Punctuality and attention to detail when working with documents
- Ability to remember numerous details, as corruption cases are often complex and multi-faceted
Interactive Approach to Training Anti-Corruption Fighters
The “Investigating Corruption Crimes” course that Andriy teaches at ACREC is specifically designed for beginners in law. The program covers a detective’s work from start to finish—from entering a crime into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations to completing the case with an indictment or plea agreement.
Since 2016, Andriy has implemented a case study approach that includes not just lectures and seminars but also practical simulations. Students participate in simulated real-world processes—for example, conducting training searches following all necessary procedures: from preparing documents and obtaining court permission to carrying out the actual investigation. They also practice mock trials, helping students better understand the procedural aspects of the work.
Some of Andriy’s graduates have become his colleagues as NABU detectives, while others work in government institutions, such as the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine, and international organizations like IDLO (International Development Law Organization).
The Path to Overcoming Corruption in Ukraine
“Any society can overcome corruption, and Ukraine is no exception,” Andriy believes. During a work visit to Singapore, he spoke with former CPIB (Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, Singapore’s NABU equivalent) Director Chua Cher Yak, who emphasized: “The key is working with young people. For positive change to occur in the country, we must instill the right standards in youth.”
From his observations, Ukrainian society has undergone radical changes in recent years. “Could you imagine today’s investigative journalists operating under Minister Kravchenko? Impossible. Could you imagine summoning a minister for questioning? That couldn’t have happened. Social morality and public opinion are undoubtedly changing for the better, but this process can’t be rushed—every state goes through it in its evolution.”
Systemic Approach to Anti-Corruption Activities
Andriy is convinced that overcoming corruption requires a comprehensive approach. “I can punish corrupt officials every day—but that won’t fundamentally change the state of corruption in Ukraine. We need to remove corruption-enabling factors,” he emphasizes.
As an example of successful systemic change, Andriy cites the construction industry: “For some time, corruption schemes were rampant in construction. They removed the norm about share contributions—and terrible corruption schemes stopped instantly.”
The Media’s Role in Covering Corruption
With his background in media and advertising, Andriy critically evaluates corruption coverage in the media: “If you turn on any news channel—in the news flow, we only hear negativity. Media specialists know that after several hours of frightening news, any entertainment show will break all viewing and engagement records.”
“Corruption is a serious problem in Ukraine, but its scale is often exaggerated for media effect,” he notes. “If Ukrainians were told about smuggling volumes in Italy or legalized corruption—lobbying—in America alongside stories about corrupt officials, corruption wouldn’t rank so high in surveys about the country’s problems.”
Education as a Path to Change
Andriy Legin’s experience is a striking example of how professionals from various fields can contribute to building an honest Ukraine. His story shows that combining practical experience in anti-corruption bodies with teaching creates a powerful tool for systemic change. After all, it’s through education and nurturing a new generation of professionals that we can lay the foundation for a future without corruption.
“We provide knowledge, and that’s fundamental,” Andriy emphasizes. The results speak for themselves: his course graduates now work in key anti-corruption institutions across the country, putting their acquired knowledge into practice.
Want to learn more about the “Anti-Corruption Studies” master’s program at ACREC? Read about it at the link. Program enrollment opens every summer—follow ACREC on Facebook to catch the next admission cycle!