Estonian vocational school director named fraud suspect over car compensation claims

Hendrik Agur, director of Estonia's Ida-Virumaa Vocational Education Center (IVKHK), has been formally named a suspect in fraud committed as a public official. Prosecutors say he requested compensation for personal car use on trips that did not actually happen.

Lead prosecutor Daniel Toom said that starting in August 2025, Agur submitted expense-compensation requests to the Ministry of Education and Research for nearly a year, totaling roughly €4,500. He has already repaid the damage caused to the ministry. Because the criminal investigation is still ongoing, both the exact time period and the final damage estimate could still change.

Director's explanation

Speaking to ERR, Agur acknowledged that the suspicion was justified and that he had submitted false information. He said he initially misunderstood how the car-use compensation worked, treating it as part of his regular salary. In a letter to colleagues, he explained that between August 2025 and June 2026 he submitted monthly compensation requests through the state employee portal totaling €5,500, at €500 per month.

In early August, police summoned him for questioning over the suspected false claims. On 12 August, he repaid the full amount to the ministry and says he is cooperating fully with the investigation. He told colleagues that despite the case, he remains committed to developing the school.

The Ministry of Education and Research confirmed it is aware of the investigation and is cooperating with law enforcement. Ministry spokesperson Kersti Ringmets said Agur has acknowledged errors in his submitted travel logs, expressed regret, and repaid the compensation. The ministry's current priority is maintaining stability at the center and continuity in its transition to Estonian-language instruction, though new findings from the investigation could affect future decisions. The ministry also plans to review its internal oversight procedures.

Agur became IVKHK director on 1 August 2025, having previously led Kohtla-Järve High School.