POWERS OF AUTHORIZED UNITS (AUTHORIZED PERSONS) ON CORRUPTION PREVENTION: CURRENT STATE AND DIRECTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive study of the legal status and powers of authorized units (authorized persons) on corruption prevention and detection in Ukraine. The regulatory framework governing their activities has been analyzed, particularly the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention of Corruption” and the Standard Regulation on the authorized unit (authorized person). The main tasks, functions, and rights of authorized units, their role in the corruption prevention system at both national and local levels have been examined in detail. Special attention has been paid to analyzing the mechanisms for ensuring the independence of authorized units, guarantees of their activities, and the procedure for appointing managers. The system of preventive anti-corruption mechanisms has been studied, including corruption risk assessment, ensuring employee integrity, and protection of whistleblowers. The peculiarities of interaction between authorized units and the National Agency on Corruption Prevention and other anti-corruption entities, as well as mechanisms for coordinating their work, have been considered. Practical aspects of exercising powers regarding anti- corruption expertise, analysis of counterparties, and conflict of interest resolution have been analyzed. Special attention has been paid to ensuring information confidentiality and personal data protection in the work of authorized units. The procedures for endorsing draft acts on main activities and monitoring procedures of the Unified State Register of Persons who have committed corruption offenses have been studied. Based on the conducted research, problematic aspects in the activities of authorized units have been identified and specific ways to improve the legal regulation of their status have been proposed, including the implementation of modern information technologies in their work.