Duma vs. Transparency International: Has the head of ARMA identified those responsible for the issues surrounding confiscated assets?

The head of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency, Elena Duma, has decided to shift the focus from the agency's issues to Transparency International Ukraine. She hinted that the organization is trying to "block the filling of the state budget," although in reality, TI is merely pointing out the shortcomings of ARMA, reports UNN.

Details

In her recent post, Elena Duma claims that the sanctions sale mechanism supported by Transparency International will allegedly hinder Ukraine from gaining full control over assets confiscated abroad. According to her reasoning, this will result in having to share the proceeds from their sale with other countries, particularly Croatia, where the yacht of former MP-traitor Viktor Medvedchuk is currently located.

However, TI experts have repeatedly explained that the sanctions mechanism does not equate to blocking; rather, in matters concerning sanctioned assets, the decision on recovery prevails over the seizure of property.

The head of ARMA also recalled the collaboration between Transparency International and the previous leadership of ARMA. But why did she bring this up? Is it an attempt to suggest their bias or merely a distraction from the criticism directed at her?

This situation illustrates a new escalation of tension between ARMA and anti-corruption organizations. Instead of addressing real shortcomings, the agency is trying to redirect attention to "external critics." But will this help resolve the systemic issues highlighted by the Audit Chamber's report?

Recall

The Audit Chamber conducted an audit of ARMA for the years 2022-2023 and the first half of 2024, which revealed significant problems in managing seized assets. In particular, the auditors emphasized issues such as the inadequacies in the selection mechanisms for managers and appraisers of confiscated assets; incomplete information about assets in the registry; and unregulated relationships between ARMA and prosecutorial bodies, as well as pre-trial investigation authorities.

Nevertheless, ARMA head Elena Duma described the audit as "an unprecedented step towards ensuring maximum transparency." She noted a record increase in the agency's revenues, the implementation of new management mechanisms, and improved performance in 2024. At the same time, the agency leader refrained from commenting on the problems identified during the audit.

Transparency International Ukraine, based on the audit results, pointed out the need to reform ARMA. Anti-corruption experts indicated that the agency's activities still raise serious concerns, including among international partners.

Previously, Transparency International Ukraine criticized ARMA for failing to meet European standards. Anti-corruption experts noted that there is often "contradictory communication from the agency or its officials, combined with populism, violations of the presumption of innocence, and a lack of understanding of the competencies of state bodies."