The SBU stopped recruitment fraud in the SE Ukrainian Pharmaceutical Quality Institute involving the embezzlement of public funds.

Allegedly, the scam was organized by high-ranking officials of the institution jointly with representatives of the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control. Since 2019, the offenders fictitiously hired citizens and unreasonably charged them wages.

It was established that “employed” individuals did not appear at their workplaces and did not perform relevant official duties.

During authorized searches of offenders’ offices, the SBU revealed documents with evidence of illegal activity.

According to preliminary estimates, the corruption scheme caused almost UAH 2 m (USD 71,319) state losses.

The investigation initiated for abuse of office is ongoing to establish all circumstances of the offense and prosecute all involved individuals.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate of Economic Counterintelligence Protection of State's Interests jointly with the Kyiv Local Prosecutor’s Office no.4.