In Odesa, law enforcement officials arrested a medical worker who demanded $1,600 from a patient for assistance in obtaining a group III disability and speeding up the medical examination process.
According to the investigation, a citizen approached a neurologist, who heads the neurology and psychiatry department and is part of a cardio-neurological expert group, with health issues to get advice on the examination process and disability classification. The medical worker agreed to 'help' only for a financial reward. For the processing of group III disability and accelerating the examination appointment, she demanded $1,600.
The man reported the incident to the authorities. Investigators from the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Odesa region, together with the Security Service of Ukraine, uncovered and documented the illegal activities of the 56-year-old woman.
The doctor received the agreed sum from the patient in several installments. After that, police detained her under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. During authorized searches at her office and residence, law enforcement officials seized cash, mobile phones, and other material evidence. The seized property has been arrested by the court.
With sufficient evidence, investigators informed the doctor of the suspicion under part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — receiving improper benefits by a public official using their position, combined with extortion.
The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 10 years, with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years and confiscation of property.
The court has chosen a preventive measure in the form of round-the-clock house arrest for the suspect.
Pre-trial investigation continues under the procedural guidance of the Odesa regional prosecutor's office.