The ESBU in the Vinnytsia region uncovers a UAH 5.6 million embezzlement scheme in medical equipment procurement

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Vinnytsia region have exposed a group of individuals who organized a scheme to embezzle budget funds during the procurement of medical equipment. The budget suffered losses amounting to UAH 5.6 million.

The pre-trial investigation established that in 2024, officials of municipal medical institutions in the Vinnytsia region and other regions of Ukraine organized the procurement of specialized medical equipment at inflated prices. They involved representatives of a medical equipment importing firm in the scheme.

To conceal the transaction, they utilized a network of controlled individual entrepreneurs (FOPs). The supplier sold them the equipment at market price, but during public procurement processes, its cost was artificially increased.

The implementation of three procurements under this scheme resulted in budget losses totaling UAH 5.6 million.

Based on the evidence collected, the actions of four individuals have been qualified under Part 3, 5 of Article 27 and Part 4, 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—organization of and complicity in the embezzlement of another's property, including through the abuse of office by an official, committed by a group of persons upon prior conspiracy, under martial law, and in particularly large amounts.

The maximum penalty provides for imprisonment for a term of 7 to 12 years, with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for a period of up to three years, and the confiscation of property.

Preventive measures have been ordered for the organizer and three members of the group. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

Operational support is provided by the SSU officers in the region. Procedural oversight is conducted by the Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor's Office.