The SBU exposed corrupt officials of the cardiac surgery center at the Odesa regional hospital. For their services, the offenders demanded up to UAH 500,000 (USD 17,857).

Allegedly, the head of department of the medical institution organized the illegal business. The organizer involved doctors in extorting money from patients for services that fall under free healthcare.

The SBU documented that the official took bribes in cash and personally split money with accomplices.  

SBU officers established that the sum of bribe depended on the complexity and condition of patients. It ranged from UAH 86,000 to 400,000 (USD 3,071 to 14,285).

Law enforcement officers detained the offender in the premises of a medical institution while receiving USD 11,000 from a patient who needed aortic surgery. During the searches, the SBU seized off-the-book records.

Within the criminal proceedings initiated for taking a bribe, detainees received suspicion notices. The issue of choosing a type of detention is being resolved.

Investigative actions are underway to establish all the circumstances of the offense and bring to justice other people involved in illegal activities.

The operation was carried out jointly with investigators of the Main National Police Directorate in Odesa region under the supervision of the Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.