SSU exposes COVID-19 fraud scheme in Khmelnytskyi region: proceeds reach UAH 6.7 mln

The SSU has exposed another large-scale scheme of faking international vaccination certificates in Khmelnytskyi. The offenders ‘earned’ over UAH 6.7 mln (USD 235,000).

The investigation established that two doctors together with nurses of a local health care center had been falsifying medical records for almost six months.

Every week, they made over 120 entries into the eHealth system on fake vaccinations of locals. The medics offered to issue electronic vaccination certificates without the actual procedure. The cost ranged from UAH 2,800 to 3,200 (USD 98 to 113) for one ‘vaccination’.

The group also involved intermediaries to search for clients, hand over money and lists of people who were not willing to be vaccinated, but wanted to get certificates.

The group’s total proceeds amount to over UAH 6.7 mln (USD 235,000).

During the searches at the suspects’ offices and homes, the law enforcement found and seized:

  • lists of ‘clients’;
  • computer equipment and mobile phones with evidence of illegal activity;
  • bank cards;
  • foreign currency that equals UAH 420,000 (USD 15,000);
  • blank medical certificates with the seals of the institution.

Three participants of the scheme have been notified of suspicion of offence under Article 362.3 (unauthorized actions with information processed in computers, automated systems, computer networks or stored on such data storage devices, committed by a person entitled to access it) of the CCU.

As part of criminal proceedings, the officers are checking information on the payment of UAH 1,000 (benefit to be paid to those who has been vaccinated) to persons who have purchased fake certificates.

The pre-trial investigation is underway.

The SSU Office in Khmelnytskyi region carried out the operation together with the National Police investigators under the supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.