The case against Poplavsky: law enforcement investigates embezzlement of state funds

Law enforcement has uncovered a large-scale scheme of embezzlement of budget funds at the Kyiv University of Culture. Among the key figures is the long-time head of the institution, Mykhailo Poplavsky. This is reported by the Security Service of Ukraine SBU.

The Poplavsky case: what is known about the embezzlement of funds

According to the investigation, the university's administration conspired with officials from the Ministry of Education and Science, using a scheme involving 'dead souls'.

The essence of the fraud was in inflating the number of students and employees, which allowed them to receive additional funding from the state budget.

Investigators note that:

• some students existed only in reports
• teaching hours and staff were artificially inflated
• money was converted into cash and distributed among the participants.

The total amount that may have gone through the scheme is approximately 760 million UAH.

Separately, the version is being checked that students from a private institution related to Poplavsky could have been included in the reports to finance them with budgetary funds.

Searches in the Poplavsky case: investigation details

As part of the case, law enforcement conducted over 20 searches, including at the residences of the suspects. During the investigative actions, phones, information carriers, and documents were seized.

According to sources, there are currently no arrests, but the circle of suspects is expanding.

Mykhailo Poplavsky has headed the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts for over 30 years. Initially, he was the rector, and after changes in legislation, he became the president of the institution, maintaining influence over its management.

It should be noted that in February 2026 he left the position after the expiration of his contract. According to the Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, Professor Ihor Komarnytskyi currently performs the duties of the head until a new rector is elected.