“ARMA and the Register of Seized Assets: Will new tools solve old problems? ARMA presented a major update to the Registry of Seized Assets with new functionality and design. Experts and anti-corruption activists point to the persistence of the main problem – incompleteness and inaccuracy of data in the register.”, — write on: unn.ua
Details
The opening of public access to the Register of Seized Assets became a key condition for Elena Duma to retain the post of ARMA head. After pressure from the parliament and the public, as well as due to the fear of leaving the post, the head of ARMA initiated the process of opening the register and in the second half of 2023 it was opened. However, anti-corruption activists have repeatedly criticized ARMA for the incompleteness and inaccuracy of data in the register. This information was confirmed by the audit of the Accounting Chamber.
Therefore, the issue of updating the register of seized assets is really long overdue. According to Elena Duma, from now on, the register allows to record military bonds in foreign currency; contains data on strategic assets; has interactive statistics, advanced search options and adaptation for people with visual impairments.
At first glance – significant improvements. However, these changes look more like “cosmetics”, because the main problem of the registry – the insufficiency and inaccuracy of the data – was ignored. The problem of filling, not functionality, was the main reason for criticism.
Thus, the new update looks more like an attempt to divert attention from the key issues. After all, without actually filling the registry with data, all these tools become useless, and the money spent on updating them is wasted.
Transparency must start with honesty: how much did the changes cost and what do they really bring to society?
Let’s add
The head of ARMA, Olena Duma, called the audit “an unprecedented step in ensuring maximum transparency.” She highlighted the agency’s record revenue growth, implementation of new management mechanisms and improved performance in 2024. At the same time, the head of the agency avoided commenting on the problems identified during the audit.
According to the results of the audit, Transparency International Ukraine indicated the need to reform ARMA. Anti-corruption experts indicated that the agency’s activities currently cause serious reservations, including among international partners.
Earlier, Transparency International Ukraine criticized ARMA for non-compliance with European standards. Anti-corruption experts indicated that “contradictory communication on the part of the agency or its officials, combined with populism, violation of the presumption of innocence and lack of understanding of the competence of state bodies” is quite often observed.