The National Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) has officially filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) regarding possible artificial delay in the process of legalizing a Ukrainian court decision abroad in the sale of the Royal Romance superyacht, one of the most high-profile assets transferred to ARMA for sale by court order.

Why is it important?

Royal Romance is a luxury yacht owned by former politician and traitor to Ukraine Viktor Medvedchuk. After the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the asset was seized and transferred to the management of the ARMA for further sale through an open tender.

However, the process of legalizing the court decision necessary for the sale of the asset has not yet been initiated. ARMA has repeatedly emphasized the importance of promptly completing all legal procedures necessary for the sale of the asset and filling the state budget of Ukraine. The agency now sees risks of artificially delaying this process, which is detrimental to both the public interest and the public demand for justice.

With this in mind, ARMA has filed an application with the NABU. As the Head of the National Agency Olena Duma noted: “The sale of the yacht should bring at least €130 million to the state budget. This did not happen for some reason, and we do not understand why. That is why we have appealed to the law enforcement agency to investigate.”

What's next?

ARMA continues to make every effort to ensure maximum transparency and efficiency in the management of seized assets. The Agency counts on an objective and prompt investigation by law enforcement agencies, as well as on the speedy resolution of the legal procedures necessary for the sale of the Royal Romance yacht and, accordingly, ensuring that the proceeds from the sale go to the state budget. This money should work for the benefit of Ukraine.

The details of this case were told by TSN journalists.