Large-scale corruption in the education sector: ex-rector of the Kyiv University of Culture Mykhailo Poplavskyi detained in the capital
Law enforcement officers have detained the former rector of the Kyiv University of Culture, Mykhailo Poplavsky, in a case of embezzlement of budget funds. The case concerns the possible illegal receipt of about 760 million hryvnias due to overstatement of funding figures.
This was reported by the Prosecutor General’s Office.
According to the investigation, university officials, in collusion with representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, may have organized a scheme to illegally appropriate budget funds allocated under the personnel training program at higher education institutions.
As the investigation established, the basis for funding was data on the number of students, academic applicants and employees of the institution. At the same time, according to law enforcement officers, these figures could be artificially inflated. As a result of such actions , in 2022–2023, the educational institution received about 760 million hryvnias from the state budget.
Separately, public figure Andriy Smolii clarified that this case concerns Mykhailo Poplavsky.
The National Police of Ukraine also reported the exposure of a multi-million-dollar scheme for embezzling budget funds at one of the capital’s cultural universities and noted the arrest of Mykhailo Poplavsky.
According to the investigation, in 2022–2024, the management of the educational institution submitted artificially inflated figures for budget formation. In particular, data on the number of students and academic load were increased, which allowed for an increase in state expenditures on teacher salaries and the maintenance of the institution.
The police note that some of the aforementioned “students” and classes existed only on paper.
According to preliminary information, about 760 million hryvnias were allocated within the budget program, part of which could be cashed out and distributed among the participants of the scheme.
Information is also being checked on the possible inclusion in the reporting of individuals who actually belonged to a private educational institution and did not have the right to participate in the relevant budget program.
Thus, on March 27, as part of the criminal proceedings, investigators conducted more than 20 searches at the residences of the individuals involved, as well as at university premises. During the searches, mobile phones, hard drives, and company seals that may contain evidence in the case were seized.
A pre-trial investigation is currently underway, and law enforcement officers are establishing all the circumstances and the full range of persons involved.
We will remind you that in February, the rector of the Kyiv University of Culture and Arts, Mykhailo Poplavsky, left the position he had held for more than 30 years.
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