The SBU documented illegal activity by the officials of Kherson Regional Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health involved in the purchase of poor-quality COVID-19 molecular genetic tests.

Allegedly, the state-owned enterprise concluded an agreement with a commercial structure for purchase of 35,000 COVID-19 tests. Law enforcement established that the tests are not recommended for use in medical institutions according to conclusion of the virological laboratory of the Center for Public Health.  Such illegal activity could lead to incorrect medical assessment, which endangered the people’s health. The state budget lost over UAH 2 million (USD 71,428).

Due to SBU activities, persons previously diagnosed by low-quality tests underwent screening once more. Kherson local Prosecutor's Office registered a criminal proceeding on misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion of property by malversation.

Investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and to bring to justice all the involved individuals.

The operation was conducted under the legal supervision of Kherson Local Prosecutor's Office.