Dr. Oleg Maltsev: Ukrainian Scholar in Danger Amidst Judicial Controversy
Dr. Oleg Maltsev, a renowned Ukrainian scholar suffering from significant health complications, currently finds himself in a precarious pre-trial detention in an unsanitary prison. The European Court of Human Rights itself condemned this facility back in 2021, citing inhumane conditions. There are growing concerns that his deteriorating health could lead to his death while in custody.
Arrest and Allegations
On September 23, 2024, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced they had successfully “neutralized an operational combat group of the Russian GRU” (Russia’s military intelligence). The SBU linked Dr. Oleg Maltsev, an internationally respected academic, to this alleged plot. Despite his numerous academic achievements, documented extensively here, the SBU labeled him a traitor to Ukraine, accusing him of being a saboteur, pseudoscientist, and even a “gypsy cult leader.” Maltsev, a vocal defender of Ukraine, firmly denied any pro-Russian activities.
Dr. Maltsev was detained on September 14, 2024, and has been held since in the Odesa Detention Centre (SIZO), a facility notorious for its life-threatening conditions. Official charges against him include attempting to destabilize Ukraine’s constitutional order and forming an unauthorized paramilitary group.
Support from the International Academic Community
Dr. Maltsev is not an ordinary academic; his vast research spans the fields of psychology, criminology, sociology, and philosophy. His work has earned him international recognition and support. American professor Jerome Krase from the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (1) publicly acknowledged his important contributions to global scholarship.
Additionally, other prominent figures, including Ukrainian academic Maxim Lepskiy (2) and French sociologist Dr. Lucien-Samir Oulahbib (3), have expressed their support for Maltsev.
Media Campaign and Defamation
Since his arrest, Dr. Maltsev has been the subject of a widespread, defamatory media campaign, both in Ukraine and other parts of Europe. Numerous outlets have labeled him a “fake scientist,” with allegations surfacing that his academic endeavors were potentially a front for illegal activities against Ukraine.
There is evidence to suggest that the damaging leaks, including multiple posts on Telegram, originated from within the pre-trial investigation agency, raising concerns about violations of the principle of secrecy of the investigation. Maltsev’s lawyer suspects this information leak was sanctioned by the authorities to intentionally harm his reputation.
Academic Contributions
Dr. Oleg Maltsev holds doctorates in both psychology and philosophy, all of which have been officially validated by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science. Over his two decades as a researcher, he has written numerous scientific articles and co-authored several monographs. His work has garnered international acclaim, especially his studies of criminal subcultures in Southern Italy and his psychological profiling of serial killers. His extensive body of work is freely accessible through his website and Google Books.
Harassment and Judicial Persecution
According to his lawyer, Yevgenia Tarasenko, Dr. Maltsev has been subjected to targeted harassment by Ukrainian law enforcement since December 2023. She claims that the authorities tried to extort money from him, threatening arrest based on fabricated charges if he didn’t comply.
In her interview with the Journal of International Security Affairs, Tarasenko detailed how officials searched Maltsev’s home multiple times between March and September 2024 before finally arresting him. She considers him a victim of a premeditated smear campaign designed to block his scientific work, going so far as to label his ordeal as a “deliberate persecution.”
Motives Behind the Case
The motives driving the allegations against Maltsev remain unclear. Speculation exists that his research, especially his work since 2022, attracted unwanted attention. One of his unpublished papers reportedly exacerbated tensions.
Maltsev’s recent research collaborations involve two key areas of controversy. His co-authored book with prominent American scholar Harvey Wolf Kushner (4) delves into war crimes, including the Wagner Group’s role in Ukraine and Southern Italian criminal organizations. He has also pioneered a unique form of self-defense called Urban Tactical Shooting (UTS), which teaches practical shooting skills
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