In Odesa, law enforcement officials have apprehended a medical professional who demanded $1600 from a patient for assistance in obtaining a group III disability and expediting a medical examination.
According to the investigation, a citizen approached the neurologist, who heads the neurology and psychiatry department, seeking advice on the process for undergoing an examination and establishing a disability group. The doctor agreed to 'help' only for a monetary reward. For the processing of the III group disability and for speeding up the appointment for examination, she demanded $1600.
The man reported this to law enforcement. Investigators from the Odesa Regional Police and the Security Service of Ukraine uncovered and documented the illegal activities of the 56-year-old woman.
The doctor received the agreed amount of money in several installments from the patient. Following this, police arrested her in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. During authorized searches in her office and residence, law enforcement seized cash, mobile phones, and other material evidence. The court has imposed a freeze on the seized property.
With sufficient evidence, investigators informed the doctor of her suspicion under Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - receiving unlawful benefits by an official through actions using their position, combined with extortion.
The sanctions of the article foresee penalties including 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 is ongoing under the procedural supervision of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.