$1,200 for a free operation: police exposed neurosurgeons in bribery
Law enforcement officers of the Odessa region have exposed two doctors of one of the city clinical hospitals in bribery. Police found that during the medical examination of a 48-year-old man, he was informed about the need for surgery. For her and postoperative treatment, the man had to pay $1,200.
However, such treatment should have been free for the patient. To strengthen the feasibility of paying a cash reward, the patient was assured that the surgical intervention must be done quickly and for him would immediately find a place in a tight schedule of operations.
The patient was reminded of the “monetary reward” again after surgery.
The offenders were exposed as soon as the neurosurgeon received the expected ill-gotten benefit from the citizen. According to a preliminary conspiracy with the head of the neurosurgical department, he shared it with him equally.
During searches of the offices of the defendants, law enforcement officers seized 600 dollars received by them illegally.
The defendants were informed of the suspicion of having committed a criminal offense provided for in part 4 of Article 354 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, namely, of unlawful profit received by an employee of an enterprise who is not an official, for committing an act using the position occupied by an employee at the enterprise, combined with illegal enforcement a measurable benefit by a prior conspiracy by a group of persons, in the interests of the one who provides such benefit.
Such actions are punishable by a fine of five hundred to seven hundred and fifty tax-free minimum incomes of citizens, ranging from 8,500 to 12,750 hryvnias, or by public works for a period of one hundred sixty to two hundred forty hours, or by restriction of liberty for up to three years, or imprisonment at the same time.
In the meantime, the court will choose a preventive measure for the suspect.
National Police of Ukraine
