Ryzhenko: ARMA’s Activity Must Be as Transparent as Possible

On 12 December 2018 a conference was held to discuss the results of Asset Recovery and Management Agency’s activity. The event was attended by representatives of the ARMA, international and legal communities, the business and the civil society. 
Head of the ARMA Anton Yanchuk shared the first achievements in management of seized assets. “The system of management of seized assets works. We have now seen that it is an effective tool to preserve the economic value of seized assets. Before, there was a risk that the seized property could disappear, go to some unknown company or something. Now, the owner has a tool to prevent any abuses of the law enforcement system,” he said.

Elena Koncevičiūtė of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative talked about the international experience with management of seized assets. According to her, even though the ARMA is not a law enforcement agency, it is perceived as one. It is essential to be open and work with businesses, explaining the role of the National Agency and the peculiarities of work with assets.

Summing up, legal advisor of Transparency International Ukraine Kateryna Ryzhenko said, “It is essential that the activity of the ARMA should be transparent. Especially when the Agency obtains “sensitive” assets involved in high-profile criminal proceedings. As a representative of the civil society, TI Ukraine has took it upon itself to ensure openness and public oversight of the National Agency.”

After the official part of the event, the participants had an opportunity to talk to the speakers informally over refreshments.
Find more photos from the event Asset Management: Achievements and Challenges in the ARMA’s Work on our Flickr.
The event was organized with the financial support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of Transparency International Ukraine and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.