SBU uncovered the misappropriation of millions of budget funds allocated to a medical institution of Cherkasy City Council to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

Allegedly, the illegal scheme was organized by the head of a medical center in Cherkasy city. The official signed a number of contracts with a Kyiv company for purchase of personal protective equipment and anti-epidemic drugs totaling to UAH 8 million (USD 285,715).

SBU operatives found that the price of health care products was significantly overestimated. For some items, including protective suits for doctors, the price was two times more expensive than the market price. Reportedly, the suspects concluded the contracts in violation of the mandatory rules of state procurement procedures under the current law.

According to the experts, the city budget suffered over UAH 2.4 million (USD 85,715) losses.

As a result, the head of the medical institution was served a suspicion notice of official negligence.

Measures to expose the illegal scheme were carried out jointly with the National Police under the supervision of the Cherkasy local Prosecutor's Office.