Bihus.Info Investigation
An investigation by Bihus.Info has uncovered a potential scheme for illegally moving men out of Ukraine by having them pose as musicians in the touring band of a prominent Ukrainian artist, Petro Chornyi. According to the findings, over the past year, various men have traveled abroad to concerts with Chornyi under the guise of being band members and subsequently failed to return to Ukraine.
This report focuses on letters from self-employed entrepreneur Serhii Matusov to the Kyiv City Military Administration, in which he requested assistance for the artist and his musicians to travel to charity events in Spain.
Departure of the Musicians
In June, facilitated by Matusov's letters, the following individuals left Ukraine:
- Dmytro Prokudin - an IT professional who now resides near Valencia;
- Ihor Odariuk - a musician, though journalists could not find evidence of his participation in Petro Chornyi's concerts.
Following another letter from Matusov, two more musicians departed Ukraine after supposedly scheduled performances by the artist.
In a related development, Ukraine's Security Service, in cooperation with the National Police, conducted a special operation that blocked eight new channels for illegal border crossing and draft evasion. Dmytro Prokudin confirmed that his primary goal for leaving was indeed to exit Ukraine. For his part, Petro Chornyi stated:
“Everyone who travels with me returns with me.” - Petro Chornyi
The Bihus.Info investigation continues to expose the details of this alleged scheme and its potential consequences. This case highlights the severe legal and social pressures surrounding military-age male citizens in Ukraine during the ongoing war.
This investigation could have serious repercussions for the reputation of artist Petro Chornyi and for organizations supporting cultural events. In wartime conditions, the legitimacy of men leaving Ukraine is a highly sensitive issue, as the country undergoes mobilization. Further inquiry may reveal the scale of this operation and the involvement of other individuals, potentially impacting Ukraine's political and social landscape.