Police are investigating the sexual exploitation of female students at Poplavsky's restaurants
The National Police are investigating possible labor and sexual exploitation of students at Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts and the private Kyiv University of Culture. A criminal case under the human trafficking statute was opened in February 2026; so far, 60 students involved in the work have been identified.
According to the investigation, students were forced to work at the restaurants “Pan Cheburek” and “Batkivska Khata,” owned by former rector Mykhailo Poplavskyi, under threat of problems with their grades or dormitory housing. Payments were disguised through controlled private companies and sole proprietorships. Some young women were also recruited for private events where they could be exploited sexually.
One of the individuals implicated in the case is Igor Komarnitsky, acting president of the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (KNUKiM), who, according to the prosecutor’s office, personally selected students for the work.
This is stated in a ruling by the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv, made public in September 2026, which was highlighted by the publication NGL.media.
Previously, law enforcement conducted an investigation into the possible embezzlement of budget funds at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. According to the investigation, this involves an alleged scheme of embezzlement of state funds on an exceptionally large scale.
Law enforcement officials uncovered an alleged scheme involving the embezzlement of budget funds on an exceptionally large scale at the Kyiv University of Culture.
The internet exploded with funny memes following the searches at Poplavsky’s residence.
