Former Ukrainian Culture Minister Charged with Human Smuggling

Rostislav Karandeev, the former minister of culture and information policy of Ukraine, has been charged with facilitating illegal border crossings, according to the Office of the Prosecutor General (ОГП). The alleged scheme involved individuals leaving Ukraine under the pretense of participating in charitable concerts abroad, while in reality, they were not connected to music at all. Reports indicate that a total of eight men of conscription age managed to exit the country through this operation. Karandeev served as acting minister from July 28, 2023, to September 4, 2024.