On Friday, February 23, a meeting of the ARMA working group was held on a high-profile case that dates back to 2022. It was then that funds in the amount of UAH 18,983,750 were seized and transferred to the Agency.  

The ARMA received applications and court rulings from the lawyer representing Yusuf Abibullayevregarding the return of the funds. The Agency then turned to the Anti-Corruption Council to analyze the situation and receive recommendations. The Anti-Corruption Council noted that there were legal grounds for the return of funds.

"ARMA has asked the Security Service of Ukraine to provide additional information, in particular, to confirm or deny whether the funds are material evidence in criminal proceedings.

"The Security Service of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhiaregion established that Abibullayev received citizenship of the aggressor country - the russianfederation and carries out economic and business activities in the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia region, respectively, pays taxes to the aggressor country, thereby financing the war," said Pavlo Velykorechanin, Deputy Head of the ARMA, today during the consideration of the issue of returning the funds, referring to official responses to ARMA's requests.

In accordance with the Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution "On Ensuring Protection of National Interests in Future Claims of the State of Ukraine in Connection with the Military Aggression of the russianfederation," which establishes a moratorium on the fulfillment of financial obligations to citizens of the russian gederation, ARMA has no legal grounds to return funds to the citizen of the russian federation by the name of Abibullayev.

As of February 23, 2024, the amount of accrued interest from the tranche is UAH 2,456,067.

The ARMA plans to invest these funds in the purchase of military bonds, thereby contributing to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. Thus, the funds that could have been used to support hostile actions will be directed to the benefit of Ukraine.