Fake academic degree and 300,000 UAH salary: the HQCJ member exposed for fraud

Volodymyr Luhanskyi, a member of the High Qualification Commission of Judges (HQCJ), is suspected of holding a fraudulent Doctor of Philosophy degree. This revelation was made in early August 2024 by colleagues from the Anti-Corruption Action Centre. Moreover, Luhanskyi reportedly received over 160,000 UAH in additional payments from the state budget due to this “degree.”

Following a formal complaint from the Anti-Corruption Action Centre, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has launched a pre-trial investigation into Luhanskyi’s alleged fraud. However, both the High Council of Justice and the HQCJ have been slow to take decisive action.

As of now, the situation remains unchanged: an individual with a fake academic credential continues to evaluate judges, receiving a 300,000 UAH monthly salary funded by taxpayers. We urge the HQCJ to promptly investigate the evidence indicating Luhanskyi’s lack of qualifications for his position. If the findings confirm the allegations, the commission should submit a recommendation to the High Council of Justice for Luhanskyi’s dismissal.