Director of Ternopil region psycho-neurological facility accused of human trafficking
In the Ternopil Region (Oblast), residents of a psycho-neurological boarding facility were forcibly sent to work at construction sites, cemeteries and private households, the Ombudsman’s Office reported. The director of the facility is accused of human trafficking.
Illustrative photo/ Photo: UnsplashUkraine’s Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported on the exploitation of residents at an institutional facility. The director of the psycho-neurological facility in the Ternopil region will face trial.
“According to the investigation, he exploited the vulnerable state of the residents, forcibly sent them to construction sites, cemeteries and private households, and pocketed the money they earned – between 150 and 450 hryvnias per day per person,” the Ombudsman wrote.
The residents of the facility were also punished – they were locked in a wooden structure for long periods. The director is accused of human trafficking and unlawful deprivation of liberty. A court will evaluate his actions.
“The case in the Ternopil Oblast serves as another reminder: human trafficking is not only about cross-border trafficking or sexual exploitation. It also includes forced labour and the exploitation of a person’s vulnerable state,” Lubinets noted.
The Ombudsman recalled that 20 September marked the 15th anniversary of the Law of Ukraine “On Combating Human Trafficking”. During this time, a legislative mechanism for protecting victims has been established. A person who has suffered from human trafficking has the right to medical, psychological, social and legal assistance, one-time financial aid, assistance in employment and temporary accommodation.
“If you believe that state or law enforcement agencies have inappropriately responded to a case of human trafficking or failed to ensure the protection of your rights, please contact the Ombudsman’s Office of Ukraine,” the institution addressed citizen of Ukraine.
Appeals can be sent to the following address: 21/8 Instytutska St., Kyiv, 01008; by email: hotline@ombudsman.gov.ua. Alternatively, call the hotline: 1678.
In early September, the government approved the state-targeted social programme on combating human trafficking until 2030. There are plans to expand the network of assistance centres for victims. Suspicious job advertisements online that may pose a threat of exploitation will be detected using artificial intelligence.
In 2025, law enforcement officers in Ukraine registered 162 criminal offences under Article 149 (human trafficking) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Notices of suspicion were served to 104 individuals within 119 proceedings. A total of 113 people were recognised as victims, including 77 women, five minors and 11 young children. Prosecutors forwarded 46 indictments against 75 individuals to courts.
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