From 19 to 23 October, judges and court staff of the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine (HACC) and its Appeals Chamber visited London. The study visit was supported by the EUACI in cooperation with the UK Judicial Office and the Ministry of Justice.
The visit aimed to exchange experience in handling complex corruption and economic crime cases, effective trial management, asset confiscation, and the use of digital technologies in courts.
At Southwark Crown Court, the delegation learned about the organisation of criminal proceedings, observed a court hearing, and discussed practical aspects of trial management with British judges. Court representatives also demonstrated digital tools for managing case materials.
At the Royal Courts of Justice, HACC representatives met with the Registrar of Criminal Appeals and staff of the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. They exchanged experience on preparing cases for appeal hearings, assigning judges to cases, and organising the work of court staff.
During a visit to the Tax and Chancery Chamber of the Upper Tribunal, particular attention was paid to the organisation of judges’ and court staff’s work, as well as the use of AI in judicial activities.
A separate part of the programme focused on the UK’s experience in combating corruption and financial crime. During meetings with representatives of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), and the National Crime Agency (NCA), participants discussed the investigation and prosecution of money laundering and corruption offences, the enforcement of financial sanctions, and asset recovery.
They also explored civil asset recovery mechanisms, approaches to tackling international corruption, and cooperation with Ukraine. British counterparts shared practical approaches to evidence gathering and presenting the prosecution’s case in financial crime proceedings.
An important part of the visit was a practical workshop with retired British judge Michael Hopmeier. Participants discussed the management of complex cases, preventing trial delays and abuse of procedural rights, questioning and protecting vulnerable witnesses, examining and assessing evidence, plea agreements and deferred prosecution agreements, as well as asset seizure and confiscation.
Special attention was also paid to the digitalisation of justice. During a meeting with representatives of HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the delegation learned about approaches to using artificial intelligence, developing digital services, and introducing modern technologies into the justice system.
The study visit allowed HACC representatives to compare Ukrainian and British approaches to the administration of justice and learn about practices that could help improve the Court’s work from managing complex cases and examining evidence to applying digital technologies.
By supporting professional exchanges, the EUACI contributes to strengthening the institutional capacity of the High Anti-Corruption Court and introducing modern approaches to its operations.
