What happened and why it matters
After the second stage of selection for the head of the National Agency on the Detection, Tracing and Management of Assets (ARMA), only one candidate remained in the competition — Viktor Dubovyk, the selection commission reported. Of the 13 participants in the general ability testing, only he managed to exceed the minimum threshold — 107 points.
The tests are available on the government website and cover three categories: abstract-logical (for example, finding the odd figure out), mathematical (patterns, equations) and verbal (semantic analogies, classification of concepts). Before this, all these candidates had already successfully passed a test of knowledge of legislation.
The commission's positions and possible consequences
The results sparked a discussion within the commission. Rita Simoes, an international expert from Portugal, proposed temporarily pausing the procedure and reviewing the testing parameters to increase competitiveness. Most commission members opposed changing the rules during the competition itself.
"Pause and review the testing parameters to guarantee greater competitiveness of the procedure"
— Rita Simoes, international expert
The ARMA law does not require a minimum number of candidates for the contest to continue. Following the vote, five of the six commission members supported allowing Dubovyk to proceed to the next stage. He must pass a practical task, an integrity check, special vetting and a final interview.
Context: why asset management matters for the country
ARMA is responsible for detecting, tracing and managing assets connected to crimes. Effective leadership of the agency directly affects the return of resources to the state budget and Ukraine's image in the eyes of international partners. That is why the law on the reset of ARMA, passed in June, changed the selection procedure and strengthened the role of the selection commission and international representatives.
Practical general-ability tests are meant to weed out candidates who do not demonstrate the analytical skills necessary for complex international operations and legal argumentation in courts. This is not a formality, but a safeguard against personnel mistakes in an area with a high risk of corruption.
Procedure ahead and the political dimension
The head of ARMA is appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers for a five-year term on the recommendation of the selection commission. The commission must narrow the field to no more than two candidates to submit to the government; the government has 10 days to make the appointment. Decisions are made by at least four votes, with international representatives having the casting vote in case of a tie.
The previous head of ARMA, Olena Duma, was dismissed on July 30, 2025, at her own request; now the reset procedure determines not only the agency's image but also practical results — which assets will be returned to the budget and how quickly.
What happens next
Experts note that high selection standards strengthen partners' trust, but the risk of ending up with only one candidate increases the political vulnerability of the procedure. Now it is up to the government: will it appoint Dubovyk within the prescribed period, and will the system withstand a test measured by the agency's results? This is a question for every taxpayer and for international partners who are watching the quality of reforms.
