“Young Eagle” Poplavsky and 760 million hryvnias: Law enforcement is investigating a possible scheme to fund the University of Culture
27 March 14:58
Law enforcement officials are investigating the possible embezzlement of public funds allocated for student training at institutions of higher education. According to investigators, officials from the Kyiv University of Culture may have been involved in the scheme in collusion with certain officials from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Among those implicated is former rector Mykhailo Poplavskyi.
This was reported by the press service of the Office of the Prosecutor General, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The funds in question were received as part of a state program to finance training at universities.
Nearly 760 million UAH in budget funding
According to the investigation, in 2022–2023, as part of the program “Training of Personnel by Higher Education Institutions and Support for Their Practical Training Bases,”
Kyiv University of Culture received approximately 760 million hryvnias from the state budget.
The amount of funding was determined based on official data regarding:
- the number of students;
- the number of doctoral candidates;
- the university’s staffing table.
What officials are suspected of
According to law enforcement, inaccurate information may have been included in the official reports.
This includes possible:
- inflating the number of students;
- entering false data about academic and teaching staff.
This could have led to an unjustified increase in state funding.
In addition, information is being verified regarding the possible inclusion in the reports of individuals who actually studied or worked at a private institution.
Searches in the case
As part of the criminal proceedings, investigators conducted more than 20 searches on March 27.
Investigative actions took place:
- at the residences of the individuals involved;
- at the premises of the Kyiv University of Culture.
The searches were conducted by:
- investigators from the National Police of Ukraine;
- under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General;
- with operational support from the Security Service of Ukraine.
During the searches, the following items were seized:
- cell phones;
- hard drives;
- company seals.
According to the investigation, these items may contain evidence of possible illegal activity.
What is known about the university
Kyiv University of Culture (KUC) is a private institution of higher education specializing in training professionals in the fields of culture, art, show business, and media.
At the same time, Ukraine also has the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (KNUCA)—a state university with a similar academic focus.
Both institutions are linked to Rector Mykhailo Poplavskyi.
Who is Mykhailo Poplavskyi
Mykhailo Poplavskyi is a Ukrainian singer, producer, and educational manager.
Key facts:
- Rector of the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts;
- Founder and head of the Kyiv University of Culture;
- former member of the Ukrainian Parliament for several terms;
What’s next
A pre-trial investigation is currently underway.
Investigators are determining:
- the full extent of the losses incurred by the state;
- all individuals involved in the alleged scheme.
Law enforcement officials note that, according to preliminary estimates, the damage could be particularly significant.
As a reminder, on February 10, media reports indicated that Poplavsky had lost his position as rector of the university, a post he had held since 1995.
Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi stated that Poplavskyi left the position due to the expiration of his contract.
Management of the institution has temporarily been transferred to a new official. Currently, the KNUKiM is headed by Ihor Komarnytskyi, a professor in the Department of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management.
