The National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti -Corruption Prosecutor's Office reported the exposition of a large -scale criminal organization, which during 2021-2022 has paved over UAH 231 million of budgetary funds intended for the purchase of medical equipment for the treatment of cancer patients.
As the investigation found out, the frauds took place during the implementation of the project "Creating a modern clinical base for the treatment of cancer" at the National Cancer Institute. The scheme was headed by the actual head of a group of suppliers, who consisted of proxy, officials of the institute and management.
The participants of the scheme provided the victory of "their" companies in tenders, which were conducted under the full control of the organizers. The market was not analyzed, competitors' offers were rejected. Due to the inclusion of affiliated foreign firms in the supply chain and change of equipment, the cost of the equipment was inflated up to 50%.
As a result, the money intended for the purchase of vital equipment for cancer patients was settled in fictitious companies and used to enrich the organizers.
Law enforcement officers reported suspicion:
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organizer of the scheme, the head of the suppliers group;
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two representatives of controlled firms;
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two officials of the National Cancer Institute;
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Acting Director of NIR, who was also a deputy of the regional council at that time.
They are charged with the creation of a criminal organization (Article 255 of the Criminal Code) and the seizure of budget funds in particularly large amounts (Article 191 of the Criminal Code).
According to NABU, the investigation is supported by law enforcement officers from 12 countries. Probably, the list of cases of the case will be expanded - the installation of other involved persons continues.
This is not the first scandal related to public procurement of medical equipment. But this time it is about funds that were to save people's lives with cancer.
