The Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) reports on the situationsurrounding the electronic auctions of land plots in the Zakarpattia region.

It should be recalled that in February ARMA refused to sign the protocol on theresults of the said auctions. This decision was made on the basis of informationreceived from law enforcement agencies, in particular the State Bureau ofInvestigation and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, which has alreadybeen duly assessed from a legal perspective.

The decision to initiate repeat auctions was taken following the review of informationreceived from the State Bureau of Investigation, the National Anti-Corruption Bureauof Ukraine and other state authorities. The analysis of materials available to ARMA, as well as the circumstances established during the verification, indicates theimpossibility of participation in the auctions by persons whose assets are under arrest.The Agency is ready to defend the validity of this position in court.

The auction organizer has already been notified of the impossibility of alienating theland plots based on the results of the conducted auctions and of the need to hold a repeat auction.

ARMA has also addressed law enforcement authorities to ensure proper proceduralassessment of the identified circumstances, including possible indications ofcollusion among auction participants and manipulation of the auction results.

ARMA emphasizes that the sale of seized assets must be carried out exclusively in a manner that guarantees transparency, competition, and maximum economic benefitfor the state.

The Agency acts within its mandate and ensures the prevention of the disposal ofseized assets in cases where there are legal risks or indications of unlawful actions.

Currently, the results of the auctions are under judicial review. The claimantchallenges ARMA’s actions and seeks, in particular, recognition of the auction resultsand compensation for the alleged damages. Given the nature of the identifiedcircumstances, ARMA is prepared to defend its legal position in accordance with theestablished procedure.

We also emphasize that protecting the interests of the state is an unconditionalpriority. Any decisions regarding seized assets are made exclusively with due regardto this principle and Ukraine’s international obligations.

At the same time, the situation has generated significant public attention and remainsunder close public scrutiny, with society expecting transparency and fairness. ARMA shares this expectation and ensures openness in its actions. In addition, relevantnotifications have been sent to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the relevantparliamentary anti-corruption committee.

ARMA continues to implement institutional reform in the management of seizedassets, aimed at improving sale procedures, enhancing transparency, and ensuringcompetitive auctions.

We emphasize that Ukraine’s international obligations, in particular under the UN Convention against Corruption, make it impossible to return seized assets under thecontrol of persons linked to criminal offenses. ARMA acts in compliance with theseobligations and the principle of protecting the public interest.