Poroshenko NSDC decision of May 6 on measures to fight crime in Ukraine into effect

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree which brings into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) as of May 6 "On measures to enhance crime fighting in Ukraine."

"To put in effect the decision of NSDC as of May 6, 2015 'On measures to enhance crime fighting in Ukraine…' The decree comes into force on the day of publication," reads the decree dated June 16, which was posted on Poroshenko's website on Wednesday.

The NSDC made the decision to combat rising crime rates in certain regions of Ukraine, minimize the impact of corresponding threatening factors to national security, and enhance citizens' rights and protection of their freedoms.

This decision relates to the necessity of fighting against crime, the actions of illegal armed formations, illegal circulation of firearms and other weapons, military supplies and explosives, as well to enhance the coordination of steps taken in these areas.

According to the decision, the Interior Ministry, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the administration of the State Border guard Service and Military Order Service of the Armed Service of Ukraine have been tasked with taking additional steps to lower crime rates as soon as possible, as well as to uncover and eliminate smuggling channels, and fight illegal transportation of firearms and other weapons and explosives in Ukraine. Additional security measures are to be taken at facilities storing weapons and explosives.

The NSDC ordered both Interior Ministry and the SBU to take adequate measures to provide a qualitative preliminary investigation and pass materials on available relevant criminal proceedings to the courts. They are to improve work on acquiring information about smuggling of weapons, explosives, ammunition and other dangerous items.

In addition, the Interior Ministry and the SBU are to take steps to improve the efficiency of the patrol service, in particular by training its employees while taking into account the experience of EU member states and the U.S., along with equipment. The agencies must use the state research-to-practice forensic science center of the Interior Ministry to create a statewide registry of small arms and provide territorial offices of the center with automated ballistic identification systems.

The Interior Ministry and the SBU are to take active measures to investigate high-profile cases, such as the murders of journalist Oles Buzyna and former MP Oleh Kalashnikov.

The Cabinet of Ministers and the SBU are to develop and bring bills for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada on enhancing the possibilities and coordination of law enforcement agencies' actions on counteracting illegal armed formations, enhancing the battle against territorial sabotage and separatists' actions, as well as creating efficient mechanisms to uncover and prevent such actions.