Representatives of ARMA took part in a study mission of the Italian National Agency for the Administration and Destination of Assets Seized and Confiscated from Organized Crime (ANBSC).
During the three-day event in Rome, organised by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), the ARMA delegation examined specific mechanisms that may be adapted in Ukraine:
- Model of social reuse of assets. The Italian experience of Associazione LIBERA provides for the transfer of confiscated property to communities for further use in social and economic projects. Such an approach is relevant for Ukraine, particularly in the context of managing assets seized under sanctions mechanisms.
- Transparency and monitoring system. ANBSC instruments ensure public oversight of asset management processes — from registration to subsequent use, which contributes to increasing public trust in the institution.
- Development of bilateral interaction. During the meeting of the EU project Steering Committee, the parties identified areas for further cooperation, in particular regarding the exchange of practices and methodological support.
Italy has one of the most effective mechanisms in Europe for the confiscation of assets of organised crime. ANBSC has developed the practice of seizing property from representatives of the mafia and transferring it to local communities. As a result, assets obtained through criminal means are transformed into lawful and socially beneficial enterprises – including farms whose products are marketed under the Libera Terra (“Free Land”) brand.
The acquired experience will enable ARMA to improve procedures for the management of arrested property and ensure its use in the interests of Ukrainian society and the recovery of the country.
The Ukrainian delegation was represented by Anna Makarenko, Sofiia Matvieieva, and Anastasiia Salivon – specialists of the departments of international cooperation, legal support, as well as asset finding and tracing.
