01 July 2025

The National Agency of Ukraine for Finding, Tracing and Management of Assets Derived from Corruption and Other Crimes (ARMA) continues to expand its international partnerships in the field of asset tracing and management. Today, ARMA and the Commission for Illegal Asset Forfeiture (CIAF) of the Republic of Bulgaria signed an interagency international cooperation agreement.

The agreement was signed during an official online meeting by ARMA Head Olena Duma and CIAF Chair Anton Slavchev.

“This agreement lays the foundation for joint efforts in asset tracing and management, particularly with respect to assets that may be located in Bulgaria. For Ukraine, which is currently at war, international support in tackling illicit assets is critically important. Bulgaria is a reliable partner, and we are open to implementing joint projects that will benefit both sides,” emphasized ARMA Head Olena Duma.

During the meeting, Olena Duma presented ARMA’s key achievements over the past two years: personnel renewal, the launch of the Register of Seized Assets, the introduction of new transparent asset management procedures, and asset sales—both in Ukraine and abroad.

In turn, CIAF Chair Anton Slavchev stated:

“We highly appreciate ARMA’s efforts under extremely challenging conditions. Ukraine demonstrates resilience and efficiency, and we are ready to share our tools and experience to support the process of asset tracing and management involving Bulgarian territory.”

The Bulgarian partners also presented CIAF’s capabilities in asset seizure and confiscation and shared the results of their work.

As a result of the meeting, both parties agreed to deepen cooperation, exchange information, and develop joint mechanisms for international asset tracing.

To date, ARMA has signed eight international interagency agreements with counterpart bodies from Romania, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Libya, Albania, Poland, and Bulgaria. Over 20 additional agreements are currently under negotiation and preparation.