“The expert criticized ARMA for updating the design of the register of seized assets, instead of filling it in. Vladislav Romanov stated that the data in the Register of seized assets of ARMA is not relevant, despite its updating. Employees are forced to manually enter information, which makes it difficult to monitor assets.”, — write on: unn.ua
“In the eternal dispute between form and content, especially in this case, the content is always more important. No matter how much you change the form, if the filling is weak, then the benefit from such a “fantasy” is not high,” said Romanov.
According to him, problems with filling the register make it difficult to monitor the assets transferred to ARMA management, as well as the state of their processing.
“Regarding the filling – from the words of the users themselves, I know that it is weak and to really monitor the assets that are under the management of ARMA, their condition, when the manager will be selected, as of today and the last six months – it was and is difficult. Information is entered in a timely manner, it is irrelevant,” he added.
Romanov also spoke about how ARMA employees are forced to manually enter data into the register, which takes time and resources.
“Over the past six months, ARMA, according to internal information from the agency, has significantly expanded its investigative staff in order to actively search for assets. At the same time, a lot of employees of the investigative division were recruited to mechanically enter information into the register, in order to at least initial information about the arrest should be entered in the register,” he said.
The ex-employee also critically assessed ARMA’s attempts to introduce new technologies.
“If there is no data in the array, no matter how you manipulate the registry or the browser, there will be no benefit for the external user. This also applies to those who could take assets into management and pay money for it. Despite signing a memorandum with the space agency and statements about new search tools, it looks ridiculous,” said Romanov.
Let’s add
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.
The head of ARMA, Olena Duma, in her turn 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.
Following the comments of the Accounting Chamber, Olena Duma announced the “first large-scale update” of the Register of Seized Assets since its creation. She talked about improving functionality, modern design and improving accessibility. In her opinion, this will contribute to transparency in asset management.