FBI experts visit Ukraine, but stymied in assisting Gongadze investigation

U.S. Embassy

KYIV - The government of Ukraine invited a team of FBI experts in homicide investigations to consult with Ukrainian investigators in the Heorhii Gongadze case.

The team met with investigators in the Office of the Procurator General, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security Service of Ukraine.

The objective of the FBI team was to exchange ideas on methodology and strategies related to the Gongadze investigation. The team was not in Ukraine to conduct its own investigation. Unfortunately, Ukrainian law enforcement officials asserted that Ukrainian law prohibits sharing any information that is not in the public domain, and said they were unable to discuss any aspects of the case, share evidence or conduct a joint site inspection. Because of this, the FBI team could not provide suggestions that might help Ukrainian law enforcement authorities advance the investigation of the murder of Mr. Gongadze.

The team consisted of members who are assigned to the FBI's National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime. They were in Kyiv on April 8-15. The FBI's National Center often consults with law enforcement authorities in the United States and other countries, makes available its expertise to other law enforcement bodies and remains available to assist Ukrainian authorities.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, April 28, 2002, No. 17, Vol. LXX

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