ESBU Reloaded: How Will the Bureau’s Performance Be Evaluated and What Should Business Expect?

The appointment of the new Director of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) marks a significant milestone for the Ukrainian business community and civil society. Following a prolonged process, the Cabinet of Ministers has finally appointed a leader who meets public expectations. This decision signals the beginning of a new phase for the ESBU, raising a critical question: how should its performance be effectively measured?

Experts and the business community agree that the Bureau's success should not be measured by the number of raids or initiated cases. Instead, key performance indicators (KPIs) must focus on tangible results: the reduction of "grey" schemes, the fight against counterfeit goods, and the recovery of funds to the state budget. The new head of the ESBU emphasised that efficiency should be assessed by economic impact. This impact can be quantified through the reduction of losses from tax evasion, the dismantling of major criminal schemes, and proof that "untouchables" in business no longer exist.

A vital component of these changes is establishing a constructive dialogue between the ESBU and the business sector through professional associations. This enables the Bureau to receive rapid intelligence on major systemic issues and focus on tackling bad-faith actors. Furthermore, a draft law is currently under discussion that could alter the procedure for initiating criminal proceedings against businesses, a topic sparking significant debate in expert circles.