Shokin, US Ambassador discuss tackling corruption

Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin has considered the engagement of American experts to work out recommendations in the probe of the criminal case regarding the "diamond prosecutors."

A relevant proposal was initiated by Shokin during his meeting with US Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt, the press service of the PGO reports.

"Prosecutor General has expressed his request to engage American experts on study, practical assistance and making recommendations concerning the criminal investigation into the Shapakin and Korniyets cases," a statement said.

Shokin also informed about the investigation into the high-ranking ex-Yanukovych regime Mykola Zlochevsky case, in particular about strengthening cooperation with the British authorities on this case. He also noted that the PGO is being fundamentally changed. "The results of these changes will be visible in the near future," Shokin said.

US Ambassador expressed his readiness to work with the Prosecutor General so that the PGO would become a leader in the battle against corruption. He welcomed the personal desire expressed by the Prosecutor General to support efforts to clean the GPU and noted the importance of the recent detention in Kharkiv of two prosecutors charged with graft. "Ambassador Pyatt has emphasized the necessity that Inspector General's office, headed by V. Kasko and D. Sakvarelidze, had to work on the cases independently and without interference, as well as the importance of ceasing protection for corrupt prosecutors. He confirmed the resolve of the United States to support the establishment of new GPO that is free of corruption and that will enjoy the trust of the people," said the press service.

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