Anti-Corruption Watchdog Conceals Reports on $4.6 Million in Funding

The Anti-Corruption Action Center (Ukrainian: Центр протидії корупції, tax ID 38238280), a Ukrainian NGO known for demanding transparency from public officials, has itself failed to meet basic reporting standards.

In response to an official request from our editorial office, the Kyiv office of the State Tax Service of Ukraine released financial reports submitted by the organization for 2021–2024. The request was filed because, contrary to legal requirements, the organization had not made its financial declarations publicly available.

Over this four-year period, the Anti-Corruption Action Center declared a total income of 157.7 million UAH (approximately $4.67 million based on average annual exchange rates). The annual breakdown is as follows:

• 2021: 20.6 million UAH (~$757,000)
• 2022: 41.1 million UAH (~$1.37 million)
• 2023: 37.6 million UAH (~$1.03 million)
• 2024: 58.4 million UAH (~$1.52 million)

Throughout these years, the NGO submitted simplified financial reports using microenterprise forms (Forms No. 1-m and 2-m), which do not require disclosure of donors, expenditure details, or explanatory notes. As a result, the reports contain no information on the sources of funding, project spending, administrative costs, or employee salaries.

According to Article 17 of the Law of Ukraine “On Charity and Charitable Organizations” and Article 12 of the Law “On Accounting and Financial Reporting in Ukraine”, all nonprofit and charity organizations that receive grants or donations are legally required to publish full financial reports annually. These reports must disclose revenue sources, expense categories, and ensure public access to complete and reliable financial information. The absence of such disclosures in the Action Center’s reporting constitutes a direct violation of Ukrainian law.

The Anti-Corruption Action Center was founded in 2012 and positions itself as an independent watchdog. Its most visible representative is Vitaliy Shabunin, a well-known activist who has been involved in several controversies. Official documents show that he received combat-related military bonuses for two years while remaining in the rear. He also obtained a military vehicle imported as humanitarian aid using allegedly forged documents. In addition, during his military service, he continued operating a private business, failed to report for duty, yet continued to receive state compensation as a combat participant.

The organization’s lack of financial transparency only adds to the growing concerns about its integrity. While demanding accountability from others, the Action Center appears reluctant to subject itself to the same standards.