The Security Service of Ukraine documented a large scale misappropriation of state funds during the procurement of individual protective means for medical institutions in Transcarpathian region.

Allegedly, former and current officials of the Department of Health of Transcarpathian Regional State Administration are involved in the scheme. In the spring of this year, they held a tender for procurement of biological protection suits and respirators for the regional hospitals dealing with coronavirus disease. The local business company, close to the officials, won the bidding for UAH 30 000,000 (USD 1,900,000)

To appropriate a part of these funds, the dealers overstated the real market value of the delivered products. The SBU-initiated inspection also showed that the procured goods had a lower degree of protection, and manufacturer of the goods was unidentified.

The criminal proceedings were initiated upon the fact of misappropriation of budget funds (Art. 191 of the Criminal code of Ukraine).

The ex-official and a current official of the Department of Health of the Regional State Administration, as well as two managers of the supplier company were served a notice of suspicion.

The investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances of the case and bring to justice other persons involved.

The operation was conducted jointly with detectives and officers of the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police under the supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.