The All-Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Moot Court unites law students for the fourth year

Searches, interrogations, court debates—this is how participants of VAM* 4.0 spent three days in Kyiv on 5-7 December. 

30 students immersed themselves in the work of anti-corruption institutions under the guidance of NABU detectives, SAPO prosecutors, HACC judges and judge assistants, lawyers, and scientists in the criminal justice area and anti-corruption.

VAM* is an innovative and recognized project in Ukraine aimed at increasing students’ interest in the fight against corruption in Ukraine. Participants have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in criminal law, investigation, and the judicial process regarding corruption crimes.

“We have many events throughout the year, but there is always something special about the annual Moot Court. Here we have 30 excited young students – some of the best -, and we have some of the very best detectives, prosecutors and judges. What is happening here the next three days is about you and your teams, it is also about the future of your country, about building a better society – with rule of law and justice and less corruption” — Allan Pagh Kristensen, Head of the EUACI said in his welcome speech.

Almost 130 teams applied for this year’s Moot Court. As a result of the final stage in Kyiv, the team from Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, “Girl’s Clan,” took first place and won an internship at the EUACI.

Over three years, VAM* has united 1,200 law students from all over Ukraine. The Moot Court is organized by NABU, SAPO, HACC, and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv with the support of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative.

Uniting youth against corruption is a focus of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, celebrated on December 9. EUACI provides internship opportunities for students and supports youth projects such as VAM and NABU’s Anti-Corruption School.