For the first time, the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) has received a positive assessment in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) 2024 report on integrity and anti-corruption in Ukraine.
The OECD report, recently presented in Ukraine, includes a dedicated section reviewing ARMA’s achievements. The presentation was attended by ARMA Head Olena Duma, Deputy Head Grigol Katamadze, and Advisor to the Head Andriy Pozniak, officials from the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, heads of other state and anti-corruption agencies, representatives of the OECD, and members of the public.
“After 2 years of activity, ARMA has ultimately reached a milestone where the agency is mentioned in a positive context. Back in 2023, the OECD report referred to ARMA in terms that, to put it mildly, were far from favorable. Since then, we have carried out a true transformation in the management of seized assets: we launched the Register of Seized Assets, initiated active cooperation with other anti-corruption institutions, and introduced new transparent rules in partnership with Prozorro and Prozorro.Sale. The OECD now clearly acknowledges our progress — and we are not planning to stop here,” said ARMA Head Olena Duma.
“Ukraine has shown the world that it is possible for a country to defend itself against a full-scale invasion and simultaneously improve its defenses against corruption to a level that aligns closely with international benchmarks in OECD and EU countries. In the first Review in the history of Ukraine's independence, the experts noted significant progress in the development of anti-corruption policy and the system of public and business integrity” emphasized NACP Chairman Viktor Pavlushchyk.
Meanwhile, the OECD report highlights the need for an external, independent audit of ARMA. The agency has consistently supported this recommendation. In the government’s draft law on consolidating ARMA’s institutional transformation (No. 12374), the agency proposed introducing external auditing as a mandatory oversight mechanism.
In particular, within the government’s draft law on ARMA’s institutional transformation (No. 12374), the agency proposed introducing external auditing as a mandatory oversight mechanism.
It is worth noting that at the end of last year, ARMA’s leadership was invited to the OECD headquarters in Paris. During the meeting, OECD representatives highlighted the importance of asset recovery and effective management, acknowledged Ukraine’s strong commitment in this area, and welcomed the adoption and implementation of the National Asset Recovery Strategy and Action Plan as a key step towards enhancing coordination and cooperation at both national and international levels.
The OECD Review consists of two main components: public integrity—assessing policies, mechanisms, and practices within the public sector—and business integrity—analyzing corporate behavior, anti-bribery measures, and unfair treatment in businesses. The review aims to support the alignment of national approaches with OECD standards and best international practices.
