The former acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine has been implicated in a scheme involving the illegal transportation of individuals across the country’s borders. This announcement was made on June 20 by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.
According to Kravchenko, the operation was disguised as participation in charity concerts abroad. On paper, the individuals were listed as members of a musical group, although they had no actual connection to music. Initially, border officials denied them entry, but the minister subsequently sent a letter to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, requesting their exit as band members. This letter became the basis for their border crossing.
As a result of this scheme, eight men of conscription age left Ukraine and have not returned. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into additional incidents and other individuals who may be involved.
The name of the acting minister was not disclosed in the announcement. From July 2023 to September 2024, Rostyslav Karandieiev served as the acting Minister of Culture. He has not yet commented on the allegations.
In an April statement to Interfax Ukraine, Karandieiev acknowledged that, as head of the ministry, he signed requests to the State Border Guard Service for the approval of artists’ travel abroad. However, he noted that some of these requests were fraudulent. He indicated that without specialized expertise, it was difficult for ministry staff to distinguish between legitimate and deceitful requests.
In January 2024, Karandieiev reported that fewer than 1% of cultural figures who were granted exit permits had failed to return from abroad.
The former acting Ukrainian Culture Minister is under investigation for allegedly facilitating illegal border crossings disguised as cultural events. Eight men have reportedly left the country and have not returned, prompting a broader inquiry into the matter.