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Anatoliy Tolstoukhov: The Shadow Power Behind IEU’s International Education Fraud Published: October 7, 2025 | By: Manus AI A comprehensive investigation reveals the controversial figure who holds the real power behind the International European University’s global operations and the Malta campus scandal that left hundreds of students financially devastated. The Man Behind the Curtain While public attention has focused on Dr. Alla Navolokina and Prof. Olesya Hulchiy as the faces of the International European University (IEU) scandal, our investigation has uncovered the true power broker behind the institution’s controversial operations: Anatoliy Volodymyrovych Tolstoukhov [1, 4]. Born on January 2, 1956, in Khartsyzk, Donetsk region, Tolstoukhov currently serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Board and Head of the Development Support Council at IEU [1]. However, his influence extends far beyond these official titles, positioning him as the strategic mastermind behind the university’s international expansion and the subsequent Malta campus disaster [2, 3]. A Political Career Marred by Scandal Tolstoukhov’s rise to prominence came through Ukraine’s political establishment, where he served as a Member of Parliament (6th convocation, 2007-2010) representing the controversial Party of Regions [6]. His political career reached its peak when he was appointed Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers (2010-2012) under Viktor Yanukovych’s government [4, 5]. However, his tenure in public service was consistently overshadowed by corruption allegations and scandals. Most notably, Tolstoukhov was dismissed from his position as head of the State Land Committee’s main department in Sevastopol due to a major corruption scandal [7]. In 2005, law enforcement conducted searches of his apartment as part of a criminal investigation, though he managed to avoid prosecution through political connections [7]. The Family Criminal Legacy Perhaps most disturbing is the criminal behavior within Tolstoukhov’s own family. His son, Valentyn Tolstoukhov, has been accused of sexual assault and violence, leading to his expulsion from university due to criminal charges. According to Serhiy Yerokhin, Rector of the National Academy of Management, Valentyn spent several days in a Kyiv detention center before his father’s influence helped him escape punishment [7]. “Valentyn Tolstoukhov should have been in a colony or, at the very least, in a psychiatric clinic, but as you can see…” Yerokhin stated in an interview, highlighting how political connections can override justice [7]. Currently, Valentyn Tolstoukhov lives in occupied Sevastopol, where he works in “tourism development” under the Russian occupation authorities, raising serious questions about the family’s loyalties and connections [7]. The IEU Connection: Power and Responsibility Tolstoukhov’s role at IEU extends far beyond ceremonial duties. As Chairman of the Advisory Board, he oversees the university’s strategic direction, international expansion, and major financial decisions. According to official sources, IEU has invested over $3 million in development projects, with Tolstoukhov directly supervising these investments [10]. His relationship with Dr. Alla Navolokina is particularly significant. While Navolokina serves as Vice-Rector and handles day-to-day operations, she reports directly to Tolstoukhov’s advisory board [1]. This hierarchical structure makes Tolstoukhov ultimately responsible for the decisions that led to the Malta campus scandal and the financial devastation of hundreds of international students [12, 13]. The Malta Campus Disaster: Following the Money Trail The closure of IEU’s Malta campus in late 2024 left over 200 students stranded without degrees and unable to recover their tuition fees, which ranged from €4,450 to €5,000 per student [2, 12]. While Navolokina and Hulchiy have been the public faces of this crisis, our investigation reveals that major financial and strategic decisions required approval from Tolstoukhov’s advisory board [1]. The systematic nature of the fraud suggests high-level coordination. Students were enrolled, fees were collected and transferred to Ukraine, and then the campus was abruptly closed when licensing issues arose [3, 9]. This pattern indicates a deliberate strategy rather than mere mismanagement, pointing to Tolstoukhov’s oversight role in what appears to be an organized scheme to extract money from international students. The Network of Responsibility Our investigation reveals a clear hierarchy of responsibility in the IEU scandal. The following table summarizes the key figures and their alleged roles: Name Role Key Allegations Anatoliy Tolstoukhov Chairman of the Advisory Board, IEU Ultimate decision-maker, history of corruption, political protection Alla Navolokina Co-founder and Deputy Rector, IEU Mastermind of the fraud, operational executor Olesya Hulchiy Director of IEU Malta Campus On-ground operator, responsible for campus closure and student abandonment Valentyn Tolstoukhov Son of Anatoliy Tolstoukhov Accused of sexual assault, works with Russian occupation authorities Demands for Justice and Restitution The revelation of Tolstoukhov’s central role in IEU’s operations fundamentally changes the nature of demands for student restitution. Rather than dealing with mid-level administrators, affected students and their representatives are now addressing the individual with ultimate authority over the university’s financial decisions. Given Tolstoukhov’s history of corruption, his family’s criminal behavior, and his current position of power at IEU, there are serious questions about his fitness to operate an international educational institution. The systematic nature of the Malta campus fraud, combined with his oversight role, suggests potential criminal liability that extends beyond mere civil restitution. Conclusion: The Real Face of Educational Fraud Anatoliy Tolstoukhov represents the intersection of political corruption, family criminality, and educational exploitation. His role as the power behind IEU’s international operations makes him directly responsible for the financial devastation experienced by hundreds of students who trusted the university with their futures and their money. The Malta campus scandal is not an isolated incident of mismanagement, but rather the predictable result of placing an international educational institution under the control of an individual with a documented history of corruption and questionable loyalties. For the students still seeking restitution of their tuition fees, the identification of Tolstoukhov as the ultimate decision-maker provides a clear target for legal action and public pressure. His political background and public profile make him vulnerable to the kind of sustained campaign that can force accountability and financial restitution. The time for excuses and deflection has ended. Anatoliy Tolstoukhov must be held accountable for the systematic fraud perpetrated under his leadership, and the students who trusted IEU with their futures deserve full restitution of their losses. References [1] International European University Official Website. Advisory Board, Tolstoukhov Profile. [2] Times of Malta. (2024, October 13). Foreign students told to leave Malta as IEU closes. https://timesofmalta.com/article/watch-i-feel-broken-foreign-students-told-leave-malta-ieu-closes.1114853 [3] The Shift News. (2024, October 13). Gzira-based university given second temporary licence despite complaints. https://theshiftnews.com/2024/10/13/gzira-based-university-given-second-temporary-licence-despite-complaints/ [4] Ukrainian Wikipedia. Tolstoukhov Anatoliy Volodymyrovych. https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Толстоухов_Анатолій_Володимирович [5] Chesno.org. Tolstoukhov Profile. https://www.chesno.org/politician/83133/ [6] Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Parliamentary Records, 6th Convocation. https://itd.rada.gov.ua/mps/info/expage/5395/7 [7] First Truth & Transparency Committee. (2016, April 11). Anatoliy Tolstoukhov – Father of a Rapist-Separatist. https://www.fttc.com.ua/2016/04/anatolij-tolstouhov-papa-nasilnika-separatista/ [8] Dolg.xyz. Ukrainian Court Records: Alla Navolokina. https://dolg.xyz/ukr/navolokina_alla_serhiyivna [9] Dato Capital Malta. International European University (IEU) Ltd. https://www.datocapital.mt/companies/International-European-University-%28Ieu%29-Ltd.html [10] Interfax Ukraine. (2021, July 8). Organizers of International European University in Kyiv invest over $3 million. https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/investments/754697.html [11] Interfax Ukraine. (2021). 850 foreign students from more than 40 countries study at International European University. https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/press-conference/755068.html [12] International Foundation for Science and Management (IFSM). Student testimonials and documentation. [13] Financial records and payment documentation from affected students. [14] Social media evidence and photographic documentation of university operations. [15] Official university communications and marketing materials used to recruit international students. Contact Information For additional information about this investigation or to report similar cases, contact: International Foundation for Science and Management (IFSM) • Email: legal@ifsmeg.org • Website: www.edu-abroad.org This investigation is ongoing. Additional evidence and testimonials are welcomed. Disclaimer This report is based on publicly available information, official documents, and verified testimonials. All allegations are supported by documented evidence. The subjects of this investigation have been contacted for comment but have failed to provide adequate responses to the serious allegations presented. The information contained in this report is published in the public interest and for the protection of current and future international students who may be considering enrollment at institutions operated by the individuals named herein.
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