Against the backdrop of numerous scandals that accompany the activities of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency, the highest rating for the head of ARMA Olena Duma based on the results of the performance appraisal in 2024 looks biased. This opinion was expressed in an exclusive commentary to UNN by security expert Serhiy Shabovta.
“Against the backdrop of constant scandals, this is not normal, such assessments cannot be called objective, and we need to talk and write about it, to publicize this topic,” the expert noted.
In his opinion, the “excellent” grade for the head of the ARMA may be the result of a corrupt system that works for its own interests.
“This is all because we live in a corrupt state, where every body is subordinated and functionally created so that it can be controlled and, if necessary, fulfill certain extra-legal intentions and implement them. I have repeatedly said that such a structure as the ARMA will work only for its own interests,” Shabovta said.
He believes that biased performance appraisals can be a cover for embezzlement of public funds.
“Both the ARMA and the structure headed by the drug addict Mr. Rudyi (KRAIL head Ivan Rudyi, who is suspected of facilitating the activities of Russian online casinos in Ukraine and who also received an “excellent” rating in the assessment - ed. And unfortunately, until the law is on the front foot, until all government agencies work for the benefit of the people and the state within the framework of their functional responsibilities, there will be false assessments, and these assessments will result in millions of dollars in bonuses. That is, state embezzlement continues under the guise of all sorts of incentives and biased assessments,” the expert said.
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Under Olena Duma's leadership, ARMA has repeatedly been at the center of high-profile scandals. One of the most recent was an investigation into possible fake disability certificates that were received by agency employees. Experts emphasized that if the allegations are confirmed, this should not only be grounds for resignation, but also an impetus for a large-scale review of the agency's work.
In addition, anti-corruption organizations, including Transparency International Ukraine, have repeatedly criticized the agency for not meeting European standards. They emphasized populism, contradictory communication, and violation of the presumption of innocence in cases handled by the ARMA.
The political independence of the agency under the leadership of Olena Duma also raises additional questions. The ARMA leadership has even had to defend itself for possible ties to odious figures such as Oleh Kulinich, who is accused of treason, and Valeriy Pysarenko, who is a close associate of Andriy Portnov, former deputy head of the Yanukovych administration.
Another important aspect is the lack of public control over the agency's activities. The Public Council at ARMA dissolved itself three months ago due to systematic violations of the requirements for public involvement. According to former members of the public council, this situation is beneficial to the head of the agency, Olena Duma, because the lack of control allows her to avoid public consideration of controversial issues.