The Deputy Mayor of Kyiv, Volodymyr Prokopyv, exposed for involvement in organizing corruption schemes for illegal migrants
Significant events have taken place within Kyiv law enforcement agencies: the Security Service and the National Police have officially announced suspicion against Volodymyr Prokopyv, the Deputy Mayor of Kyiv, under Mayor Vlodymyr Klitschko. As sources within law enforcement have revealed to Ukrainska Pravda, this individual is accused of connections to illegal human smuggling operations abroad. It is known that Prokopyv is currently at the center of an investigation aimed at determining his possible participation in corruption schemes. According to sources, the suspect is suspected of organizing and managing schemes involving the illegal transportation of individuals, referred to as "illegals" by Ukrainian law enforcement, to European Union countries. This case is drawing particular attention amid extensive anti-corruption measures in the capital and across the country. According to information provided by sources, suspicion arose after prolonged investigations focused on uncovering signs of corruption related to border crossing activities. Sources state that Volodymyr Prokopyv was previously suspended from his position by Kyiv Mayor Vlodymyr Klitschko due to potential involvement in illegal schemes. At the same time, no official comments have been made by the deputy or his associates so far. However, preliminary information indicates that investigations are ongoing in several directions, and law enforcement agencies have already gathered sufficient evidence to formally suspect him. The investigation is still active, and authorities intend to prove Prokopyv’s involvement in criminal activities. It is expected that soon the case may proceed to court, where the suspect will have the opportunity to defend himself and contest his alleged involvement. Sources also emphasize that this situation is of considerable importance in the ongoing fight against corruption within Kyiv’s government, as it demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to greater transparency and exposing criminal actions among officials. It is anticipated that this case will reveal new details about the scale and mechanisms of illegal human smuggling operations, as well as identify those behind these schemes. Discussions have already begun in Kyiv regarding potential responsibility of other officials and figures involved in similar schemes. Law enforcement officials note that this is just the beginning of a large-scale campaign to uncover corruption schemes in the city and other regions of Ukraine. Meanwhile, no official comments have yet been made by city authorities or Prokopyv concerning this situation, but it is expected that more detailed information will emerge in the coming days. The suspicion has become another crucial step in the fight against illegal human trafficking, marking one of the most high-profile challenges faced by modern Ukrainian law enforcement.