The SSU exposed officials of several Kyiv medical facilities on embezzling funds allocated for response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that the fraudsters misappropriated almost UAH 2 mln (USD 76,000).

The SSU established that, apart from officials of medical institutions, private entrepreneurs selling the equipment were also involved in the scheme. They embezzled money by including the VAT, whereas the law exempts such transactions from this tax.

The funds were misappropriated from the purchase of anesthesia systems and ventilators used to treat COVID-19.

Basing on the collected evidence, the chief accountant of the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine was notified of suspicion of official negligence.

Besides, the decision is pending on bringing the management of the supplier company to justice under Article 191 (misappropriation, misappropriation of property by abuse of office).

Additionally, the pre-trial investigation led to uncovering similar violations in other state entities and institutions of Ukraine.

The investigating teams are collecting evidence to bring the culprits to justice.

The SSU Cyber ​​Security Department and the National Police carried out the operation under the supervision of Kyiv Shevchenkivskyi District Prosecutor’s Office.