THE PRICE OF CORRUPTION: Case #12. Extortion via “Dead Souls” (Secondary Education)
This publication is based on official investigation materials from the SSU (Security Service of Ukraine), the National Police, and court records from the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). We are breaking down this case to show the real consequences of corrupt abuses within the secondary education system.
The Essence:
Embezzlement of budget funds through the fictitious employment of staff (“dead souls”) and the extortion of “charitable contributions” from parents to cover expenses already funded by the state.
The Situation:
Between 2023 and 2025, the management of several specialized boarding schools and lyceums organized an enrichment scheme based on the payroll fund. Over 15 individuals were officially hired who did not actually work, yet bonuses and allowances were regularly deposited onto their bank cards. Additionally, the administration forced parent committees to collect cash for “renovation work” that, according to documents, had already been completed at the expense of the local budget. The total loss recorded stands at 8.5 million UAH.
The Bill Paid by Society:
- Robbing Orphans and Vulnerable Groups. Funds intended for improving the nutrition and living conditions of children ended up in the pockets of officials.
- Psychological Pressure on Parents. The creation of an artificial resource deficit forced families to give away their last savings, undermining trust in free public education.
- Decay of Educational Infrastructure. Fictitious repairs led to the actual emergency state of buildings, posing a threat to students’ lives.
The Bill Paid by the Perpetrators (Legal Finale):
- The Lyceum Director and the Head of the District Education Department — received 7 years of imprisonment.
- The Chief Accountant — sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment.
- Full Confiscation: 2 apartments, a private house, and $120,000 in cash were seized.
- Lifelong Disqualification: Entry into the Register of Corrupt Officials with a lifelong ban on holding leadership positions in educational institutions.
Case Sources:
- Official reports from the SSU and the National Police regarding corruption in education management.
- Unified Register of Court Decisions (cases under Art. 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
- Audit reports from the State Audit Service of Ukraine.
We continue to issue these bills.
This publication is part of a series of analytical materials “THE PRICE OF CORRUPTION”. Each such case will be analyzed, and the price will be made public.
To be continued…