The SBU information helped to initiate 99 criminal proceedings for crimes and abuses in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Various law enforcement bodies opened these proceedings as a result of SBU CI measures. As part of the investigation, 23 notices of suspicion were served.

Most criminal proceedings were initiated for provision and procurement of personal protective equipment. In total, there are 19 such proceedings.

For example, in Cherkasy city, the SBU exposed embezzlement of the budget funds allocated to combat the pandemic. The head of a city medical institution signed a number of agreements with a Kyiv company for the purchase of personal protective and anti-epidemiological equipment amounting to UAH 8 m. (USD 280,000). But the cost of the purchased equipment was significantly inflated, for some goods - twice.

The SBU has documented the illegal activities by officials of Kherson Regional Laboratory Center of the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, involved in the purchase of 35,000 low-quality rapid tests for COVID-19 diagnosis by molecular genetic methods. A pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

In addition, 13 criminal proceedings are related to ​​construction and repair of emergency rooms in general hospitals. Embezzlement during the overhaul of emergency rooms at significantly inflated prices totaling over UAH 10 m. (USD 350,000) is being documented.

Another 11 criminal proceedings are connected with the provision of oxygen and the purchase of ventilators. Four offenders received suspicion notices of embezzlement during the purchase of AVL machines.

In particular, in Kharkiv region, an illegal scheme for the purchase of AVL equipment at significantly inflated prices was exposed. The offenders, using a bogus firm and with officials’ support, delivered ventilators to the general hospital for totaling over UAH 10 m. (USD 350,000). The price was actually inflated three times.

So far, courts passed 7 sentences in these proceedings. In particular, the district court in Volyn region  found the former director of a company guilty of manufacturing, storing and selling counterfeit antiseptics. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison with a 2-year reprieve.

Also during the pandemic, the SBU actively opposes the spread of fakes about COVID-19. The SBU cyber ​​specialists stopped the activities of more than 450 Internet agitators who posted the relevant content and destabilized the situation in the country. 40 of them followed instructions of Russian mentors. Their activities are classified as actions aimed at forceful change or overthrow of the constitutional order or take-over of government or trespass against territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine. The peak of the spread of fakes and panic was at the beginning of quarantine.