Threats to Ordinary Citizens in the New ‘Drop’ Register Legislation
In Ukraine, the issue of creating a register of so-called ‘drops’—individuals who transfer their bank accounts to others for financial transactions—has once again come to the forefront.
However, parliament members and experts warn that Bill No.
14161 poses significant risks to ordinary citizens, who may lose control over their finances and become victims of unjustified sanctions.
Member of Parliament Nina Yuzhanina expressed concerns that the bill lacks clear definitions of the term ‘account transfer,’ as well as transparent criteria for including individuals in the register.
She highlighted that the responsibility for defining these parameters will fall to the National Bank and banks based on their internal rules, which creates risks of opacity and infringes on citizens’ rights.
Additionally, experts note that mechanisms similar to financial monitoring could lead to widespread abuses and unjust sanctions without proper justification.
Despite claims of combating fraud and ‘gray’ transactions, the new legislation may turn into a tool for unwarranted interference in citizens’ private lives, raising serious concerns about legal protection and data security for ordinary Ukrainians.