Photo: poplavskiy.com
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have uncovered a large-scale embezzlement scheme involving state budget funds at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. According to the Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General, more than 20 searches were carried out on March 27, including at the residence of former rector Mykhailo Poplavskyi and on university premises. Investigators seized mobile phones, hard drives, and company seals that may contain evidence of illegal activity.
The investigation suggests that university officials, in coordination with representatives of the Ministry of Education, may have manipulated official data on the number of students and academic staff. This allegedly allowed them to artificially increase the amount of state funding allocated under a government program for higher education. Between 2022 and 2023, the university received about 760 million hryvnias through this program.
Authorities believe that part of these funds was misappropriated, causing significant financial damage to the state. A criminal case has been opened under Article 191, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which concerns embezzlement through abuse of office. Those involved could face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. The investigation is ongoing.
