The SSU continues to take steps to counter systemic threats in the healthcare system. In an operation in Luhansk region, the SSU exposed an interregional group that forged certificates of COVID-19 vaccination and PCR-test results.

According to the investigation, Director of the Center for Primary Health Care in a district of Kharkiv region, who is also a deputy of the local council, organized the scheme. Two other members were residents of Luhansk region heading a company providing services for employment abroad. Fake COVID-19 certificates were part of the package they offered.

The local council deputy was responsible for ‘authenticity’ of the fakes. He ensured the entering of vaccination data into the eHealth system for ‘clients’ who have not actually been vaccinated. One fake certificate cost UAH 2,200 (USD 77).

The offenders had ‘clients’ in Kharkiv, Luhansk, Poltava and Kyiv regions. The scheme was operational for six months with a monthly turnover of over UAH 100,000 (USD 3,500).

The law enforcement documented 8 episodes of the group’s illicit actions. During the searches at the suspects’ offices and the Center for Primary Health Care, the investigators seized documents that confirm unlawful activity.

The investigators are preparing notices of suspicion of offences under:

• Article 325 (violation of sanitary regulations on prevention of infectious diseases and mass poisoning);
• Article 366 (official forgery) of the CCU.

The court is to decide on the measure of restraint. The decision is pending regarding the medic’s suspension.

The investigation is underway to identify and bring to justice all those involved in the scheme.

The SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions carried out the operation together with the National Police investigators under the supervision of Luhansk Region Prosecutor’s Office.