In the Odesa region, law enforcement officials uncovered a possible overpayment of more than 1.1 million hryvnias during the purchase of coal for the “Zatoka” children’s sanatorium. According to investigators, the fuel was purchased at a price significantly higher than the market rate.
The Center for Public Investigations examined the details of the case.
The case involves the purchase of 233 metric tons of coal, which the sanatorium acquired from Beimil Aktiv LLC in April 2024 for 3.1 million hryvnias. The contract price per metric ton was over 13,400 hryvnias, whereas, according to investigators, the average market price was around 8,000 hryvnias.
According to investigators, in April 2024, the director decided to make the purchase at an inflated price. To do this, law enforcement officials believe, she enlisted the procurement officer and instructed her to prepare the documents so that a predetermined bidder would win the contract.
Between May and November 2024, the sanatorium transferred 3.13 million hryvnias to the supplier. Investigators estimated the losses incurred by the state institution at 1.13 million hryvnias.
The sanatorium director was notified of her status as a suspect in the abuse of official position, which resulted in serious consequences.
Also in Odesa, the head of a municipal institution was notified of suspicion of embezzlement during the procurement of laparoscopic equipment for the regional special medical supply center. Law enforcement officials are currently investigating the procurement and the flow of funds.
Анна Літман