Ihor Mykhailyshyn, Head of the Department of the State Migration Service (SMS) of Ukraine in Zakarpattia Oblast, has officially resigned from his position. The resignation follows a high-profile investigation involving an alleged scheme for issuing passports in absentia and the coverage of a ghost employee on the department’s payroll.
The catalyst for the joint probe by law enforcement and the internal security of the SMS was the discovery of a fictitious employment arrangement within the regional migration office. According to investigation materials, the position of a specialist at the department was formally held by Volodymyr Ulynets, a senior operative of the Internal Security Department of the National Police of Ukraine and former acting chief of the Uzhhorod City Police.
Investigators revealed that while Ulynets was officially employed by the SMS, he continuously failed to report to his workplace or fulfill any professional duties over an extended period. Despite his complete absence, his official salary was regularly calculated and disbursed in full.
Following the handover of these facts by law enforcement, the State Migration Service launched a disciplinary proceeding against Mykhailyshyn. Pending the internal investigation, the head of the Zakarpattia regional department was suspended from his official duties for up to three months.
Upon completing the internal review, the SMS issued findings stating that no formal violations were detected in Mykhailyshyn’s conduct, which technically cleared the way for his official reinstatement.
«Despite the internal review formally clearing the department head of violations and reinstating him, Mykhailyshyn immediately submitted his resignation voluntarily.»
Law enforcement sources indicate that the sudden resignation on a voluntary basis is an attempt to mitigate public backlash and evade criminal prosecution as investigations deepen. Alongside the ghost employment scheme, investigators are examining Mykhailyshyn’s involvement in a broader corruption system enabling the illegal issuance of Ukrainian passports in absentia.
Investigative procedures remain ongoing. Authorities are currently evaluating the legal standing of both the former Zakarpattia migration chief and the police officer who illicitly drew state salaries.