Ukrainian Parliament adopts controversial law to restrict access to real estate registry
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recently approved Law No.
11533, which significantly alters the rules governing access to critical data regarding real estate properties.
This decision has sparked widespread discussions among society and anti-corruption activists, as it substantially complicates journalists’ and citizens’ ability to obtain comprehensive information about the actual location and ownership of assets.
According to the new legislation, during martial law and for one year after its abolition, access to land cadastre numbers and details about legal owners will be restricted.
Such restrictions present additional barriers for those fighting corruption, especially journalists and investigators uncovering schemes related to illegal enrichment and real estate fraud.
Critics argue that these norms will make it easier for corrupt officials to hide their assets through controlled companies and firms.
This development is expected to empower fraudsters and diminish transparency within the real estate market.
The author of the bill is Deputy Ihor Fris, representing ‘Servant of the People.’ Investigations by independent journalists have already revealed cases where property owned by deputies or their relatives is concealed through dummy companies.
This raises concerns about the potential rise of corruption schemes under the new rules.
Control agencies also note that this law could reduce opportunities for open investigations and make it more difficult for journalists to expose corruption in the real estate sector.
Ordinary citizens will find it more challenging to verify property ownership before making a purchase.
Politically, such measures create additional avenues for abuse and concealment of assets, posing a serious threat to anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine.