The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is conducting large-scale searches at the residence of Volodymyr Luhanskyi, a member of the High Qualification Commission of Judges, which has caused significant public resonance and cast doubt on the transparency of Ukraine’s judicial system
According to sources obtained from interlocutors within the judiciary, on April 17, NABU officials carried out investigative actions at the official’s home as well as in his office. This took place within the framework of an investigation into possible falsification of documents related to a PhD degree obtained by Luhanskyi, which was likely used to receive additional payments and benefits. According to the information received, on the morning of Thursday, investigators worked at Luhanskyi’s residence, and later searched his official premises located within government structures. Preliminary data indicates that the investigation is focused on clarifying the circumstances under which the official received illegal financial incentives, allegedly based on forged documents regarding his supposed attainment of a PhD in law. Sources suggest that in 2011, Luhanskyi likely obtained a PhD diploma from the private educational and methodological institution “Interregional Academy of Personnel Management” (MAUP). However, the story of how this academic qualification was obtained raises serious doubts, because at that time this educational structure was not listed among verified organizations authorized to issue diplomas for candidates and doctors of philosophy. This means that the legality of obtaining such a document is questionable, and its authenticity is under suspicion. Additionally, there are grounds to believe that the documents supporting Luhanskyi’s received payments are falsified. According to reports, in 2015, after his official appointment to the High Qualification Commission of Judges, he received a 15% salary supplement for holding a scientific degree. According to a ruling by the Kyiv District Administrative Court, this allowance was applied to his salary from April 21, 2015, to September 30, 2020. During this period, based on assessments by analysts and official data, Luhanskyi would have received at least 160,000 hryvnias in illegal payments, which is a substantial amount and highlights the scale of possible abuses during his official duties. The official reaction from law enforcement agencies is still pending; however, the issue of the legality of these payments has already been raised at a high level. This investigation acquires particular significance in the context of the fight against corruption within Ukraine’s judicial system, as any suspicions of document falsification and abuse in obtaining academic degrees and receiving additional payments could confirm systemic problems in the procedures of judge appointment and career advancement. Luhanskyi’s story has cast doubt on the integrity of certain procedures in forming the high-level judiciary and raised questions regarding the accountability of the Ministry of Justice and the High Council of Justice. The subsequent steps of investigative bodies and their outcomes may become an important precedent in further combating corruption among judges and help cleanse the judiciary from unethical personnel. Journalistic and civil circles hope for an objective and transparent investigation that will help establish the truth and prevent similar abuses in the future.