A car was seized in Odessa in connection with a case of embezzlement at a medical center

A court seized the businessman’s car in connection with a case involving the alleged embezzlement of 638,400 hryvnias during the purchase of therapeutic mud for the “Odesa” rehabilitation center of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. 

The Center for Public Investigations examined the details of the case. 

As noted in the ruling of the Peresypsky District Court of Odesa dated October 16, 2026, in March 2025, the “Odesa” Medical Rehabilitation Center entered into a contract with a businessman for the supply of 24 metric tons of therapeutic mud worth 638,400 hryvnias. The purchase was made without using an electronic system after an open tender failed to take place due to a lack of bids.

As reported by the Center for Policy Research (CPR), the documents stated that the center received high-quality goods in full, although in reality it was delivered unknown mud instead of therapeutic mud. The substitution was concealed using documents containing false information. In fact, only 4.5 metric tons of the product were delivered, even though the documents indicated the full amount. 

Additionally, deliveries of 8 metric tons of the product to the rehabilitation center did not begin until March–April 2026, after criminal proceedings had already been initiated. Investigators estimated the total damage caused to the center at 638,400 hryvnias.  

In September 2026, the entrepreneur was notified of the charges against him. The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) also notified two officials at the rehabilitation center that they were suspected of aiding and abetting the embezzlement of property and official forgery. 

As a result, the judge seized the entrepreneur’s car, prohibiting its sale or re-registration. At the same time, the car was left in the owner’s custody with the right to use it.

Анна Літман