The Asset Management and Tracing Agency (ARMA) is again in the spotlight due to delays in the selection of receivers for seized assets. This time, criticism of the agency came from Transparency International Ukraine, which expressed dissatisfaction with the work of ARMA, in particular due to the incomplete register of seized assets and the low efficiency of the selection process of managers.
Olena Duma , the head of ARMA, decided to respond to these criticisms, stating that international experts lack a deeper understanding of the situation. According to the Duma, TI Ukraine does not study cases in sufficient detail before criticizing the agency. In her Telegram channel, she invited anti-corruption activists to contact ARMA directly for explanations, noting that criticizing the agency without knowing the details is not constructive.
Olena Duma emphasized that the problems faced by ARMA include the cancellation of arrests, the need for additional checks and controls, as well as months-long legal processes. She stated that these factors could explain the delays, but TI Ukraine experts, she said, do not take these complications into account.
Delays and misunderstandings with asset managers
Another important aspect of criticism brought to the attention of Transparency International concerns the selection of trustees for seized assets. Since the formation of ARMA in Ukraine, the selection of managers for many significant assets has not yet been completed, which may indicate a failure to perform the agency's functions on time.
At the same time, TI Ukraine has repeatedly stated that under the leadership of Olena Duma, ARMA shows a very slow reaction to media disclosures or public pressure. As experts note, these problems may be related to deeper structural problems of the agency, in particular, with the ability to quickly and effectively respond to public requests and ensure transparency in its management.
Corrupt connections and doubts about political independence
In addition to questions about the effectiveness of asset management, there were concerns about the political independence of ARMA. There are suspicions about backroom arrangements in the agency, which may be connected to important Ukrainian politicians. Recently, there was information that Valeriy Pisarenko, a lawyer and former MP who is close to associates of ex-president Viktor Yanukovych, including Andriy Portnov, regularly visits the ARMA office.
According to informed sources, Pysarenko is allegedly discussing the transfer of large seized assets to the benefit of certain influential persons, in particular, politicians such as Yulia Tymoshenko. In particular, assets are being discussed, including the Kyiv shopping and entertainment center "Gulliver".
ARMA, reacting to these accusations, stated that it was "not familiar" with Pisarenko and that his name does not appear in the log of visits. However, an interesting detail is that ARMA did not specify how to get into their office without a log entry, as there are unauthorized entries and access through windows.
Petition for the dismissal of Elena Duma
Against the background of criticism of ARMA, a petition recently appeared on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which demands the dismissal of Olena Duma from her position due to her alleged connections with pro-Russian politicians and ineffective management of seized assets. The petition has already gathered several thousand signatures, which shows the growing public indignation against the agency's activities.
Experts, in turn, emphasize that effective asset management and transparency of ARMA's activities are critically important for ensuring trust in Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions, especially in wartime, when every resource is of great importance for supporting the economy and rebuilding the country after hostilities.
