Former Culture Minister Suspected in Scheme to Help Men Leave Ukraine as Artists
Ukrainian authorities are investigating a former culture minister for allegedly aiding eight men in illegally leaving the country by falsely categorizing them as artists. The individual in question is believed to be Rostyslav Karandiev, who served as acting Minister of Culture from July 28, 2023, to September 4, 2024.
According to Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, the men were purportedly traveling for charitable concerts. However, they had no actual ties to music. Initially, border officials denied them entry due to discrepancies regarding their status.
Following this rejection, Karandiev is accused of sending a second request to the State Border Guard Service, urging them to allow these individuals to cross the border as members of a musical group. This request became the basis for their subsequent border crossing, as emphasized by Kravchenko.
Reports indicate that the eight men of conscription age successfully left Ukraine and have not yet returned.
Context
- Prior to his appointment as acting head of the Ministry of Culture, Karandiev served as the first deputy head.
- In 2023, the investigative journalists at “Slidstvo.Info” reported on two legal cases against Karandiev regarding traffic violations, including DUI incidents. Although Karandiev later issued a statement denying these claims, public interest in his conduct remains.
