Державне бюро розслідувань
ДБР
Summary
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR / ДБР) was established by Law 794-VIII (12 November 2015) and became operational in November 2018. It is a state law-enforcement body charged with investigating crimes committed by law-enforcement officers, judges, senior prosecutors (excluding NABU/SAPO cases), and senior public officials. The Director is appointed through an independent selection commission for a 5-year term removable only for cause. The Bureau operates independently of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with its own budget line approved by the Verkhovna Rada. It has full investigative powers including access to evidence, covert operations, and the right to compel testimony. DBR findings are referred to the prosecutor’s office for indictment; it does not itself impose discipline. It is the primary body for investigating police use-of-force against citizens at the officer/unit level.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Independent commission |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Law of Ukraine On the State Bureau of Investigation
- Citation
- Law No. 794-VIII, 12 November 2015
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Investigates criminal offences committed by law-enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors (other than those under NABU jurisdiction), and senior public officials (categories 1–3); also investigates crimes committed by NABU detectives and SAPO prosecutors.