The Head of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency, Olena Duma, participated in the All-Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Conference “Combating Crime in a Protracted War,” held at the Faculty of Investigative and Detective Activities of Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
The event brought together representatives of the academic legal community, the Prosecutor General’s Office, law enforcement bodies, and anti-corruption institutions. In his opening remarks, the Rector of the University, Anatolii Hetman, underscored the importance of synergy between science and practice in combating crime under wartime conditions.
During her address, ARMA’s Head presented a report entitled “ARMA as an Economic Center for Combating Corruption,” outlining the Agency’s principal achievements over the past two years and emphasizing the growing international cooperation focused on asset recovery for Ukraine.
ARMA performs a unique set of functions — from identifying and tracing assets to achieving results for society by bringing criminals to economic responsibility. This includes not only assets domestically, but also abroad, including property affiliated with the aggressor state. An example is the roadmap developed by the ARMA for the AN-124-100 Ruslan aircraft that were traced in other countries. The roadmap developed by ARMA for the AN-124-100 Ruslan aircraft found abroad serves as a clear example.
Special attention was given to the transformation of the Unified State Register of Seized Assets. In August 2023, ARMA made the Register publicly accessible for the first time and launched a comprehensive modernization, presenting its terms of reference to the public. presenting its terms of reference to the public.
“We have put an end to the practice of secrecy. For the first time in history, the Register of Seized Assets has been made publicly accessible. Its modernization will make asset registration transparent, accessible, and subject to oversight,” emphasized Olena Duma.
The Head of the Agency also highlighted ARMA’s international engagement: over the past year, seven interagency agreements have been signed with foreign partners, and the Agency is now actively participating in cross-border efforts to trace assets acquired through criminal activity.
ARMA's legislative reform was another key focus of the report. The Head of the Agency noted that ARMA had developed and submitted 12 draft laws to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Once adopted, these initiatives are expected to substantially improve the Agency’s operational effectiveness and economic effect on the state.
“Among them are key initiatives that will allow for effective management of assets related to the aggressor state. We must eliminate from the legislation the disgraceful provision that requires coordination with the enemy for the management of seized property,” emphasized Olena Duma.
ARMA’s participation in such events represents another step toward strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and developing new approaches to ensuring the state’s economic security.
