Ukrainian Anti-corruption Civil-Society Organisation, focussing on defense
The Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) is a Ukrainian civil society organization that monitors corruption, advocates for transparency, and upholds accountability in support of Ukraine's national security and sovereignty. Based in Kyiv, NAKO works both within Ukraine and internationally.
Mission.
NAKO's mission is to reduce corruption in defense and security sectors by conducting independent research, effective advocacy and informing the public, in order to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. NAKO works with and supports the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the defense-industrial complex, and key anti-corruption bodies.
Areas of activity.
NAKO advocates for reforms in Ukraine's defense procurement system, including the adoption of transparent and competitive bidding processes. NAKO's work has been highlighted in several major international publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, for bringing critical changes to Ukraine's military procurement processes, which had long been plagued by inefficiency and corruption.
NAKO's primary areas of activity are:
Leadership.
Since October 2017, the organization has been headed by its Secretary General, Olena Tregub. Tregub is the former Director of International Aid Coordination for the Ukrainian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
History and Evolution.
NAKO was established in 2016, initially as the Independent Anti-Corruption Committee on Defense (IAC). It was founded in response to widespread corruption in Ukraine's defense sector, which was widely acknowledged to be undermining both the country's military capabilities and its international standing. The organization was launched in collaboration with Transparency International Ukraine. Over time, as its mandate expanded beyond the defense sector, the committee rebranded itself as the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO).
NAKO's broader focus on not just defense but also on public sector governance reforms, legislative advocacy, and civic engagement in anti-corruption activities across various government sectors. The organization's mission aligns with Ukraine's broader goals of integrating into European and NATO security frameworks, which require stringent anti-corruption measures.
In 2019, NAKO became a separate public organization. With the expansion of its mandate, NAKO was renamed as the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO).
NAKO was founded in response to widespread corruption in Ukraine's defense sector, which was significantly undermining the country's military capabilities and its international standing. The organization was initially called the Independent Defense Anti-Corruption Committee and was launched in collaboration with Transparency International Ukraine. Over time, as its mandate expanded beyond the defense sector, the committee rebranded itself as the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO).
The rebranding was reflective of NAKO's broader focus on not only defense but also on public sector governance reforms, legislative advocacy, and civic engagement in anti-corruption activities across various government sectors. The organization's mission aligns with Ukraine's broader goals of integrating into European and NATO security frameworks, which require stringent anti-corruption measures.
Committee and Board Membership.
In 2016, the IAC Committee included three Ukrainian and three international experts:
In April 2019, Lieutenant General Michel Yakovlev and Yulia Marushevska joined the Committee. Yulia joined as a new Ukrainian Member of the Committee, replacing Sevgil Musaieva, who became a Board Member.
As of September 2024, the members of NAKO's board are:
Research, Publications and Reports.
NAKO conducts research and regularly publishes reports and white papers on corruption risks and governance issues in Ukraine and internationally. These publications have been featured in major global media outlets, and are used by policymakers both within Ukraine and internationally to guide reform efforts. NAKO's main research, publications and reports are:
Financing.
NAKO works with the support of both international donors and individual donations. Its activities are supported by, amongst others:
Donors who previously supported NAKO projects include:
Impact.
NAKO's work has been recognized by international organizations, including NATO and the European Union, as essential for Ukraine's integration into Western defense and security frameworks. Time Magazine has noted NAKO's role in fostering international trust and cooperation, which is critical for Ukraine's geopolitical positioning.