Director of the medical commission for seafarers in Odesa sent to custody

In Odesa, the director of a private medical center suspected of illegally issuing medical certificates for sailors was sent to a pre-trial detention center. He headed the medical commission of the institution and was officially authorized to sign documents on fitness to work on ships.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Prymorskyi District Court of Odesa.

According to the investigation, the director of the Medical Center for Maritime Safety for Seafarers LLC set up a scheme to receive bribes for issuing official medical certificates to seafarers without actually undergoing medical examinations, laboratory tests, and medical consultations. These documents are required for employment on sea and river vessels in Ukraine and abroad.

Investigators found that the man offered to "simplify" the procedure for obtaining documents. For each such certificate, he demanded USD 100 and UAH 2,500 in bribes. For this money, he promised to issue a full package of medical documents even without the person's presence at the medical center.

Law enforcement officers documented the transfer of funds under police control. According to the case file, the director received USD 300 and UAH 7,500 for issuing medical certificates for three sailors who were not actually examined and were outside Ukraine.

The documents, which investigators believe to be falsified, contained false information about the sailors' health status, test results, vision, hearing, blood pressure, weight, blood type, and even conclusions about their suitability for work on ships. All certificates were signed and stamped by the medical center as official documents.

The prosecutor noted that such a scheme posed a threat to maritime safety, as people with unknown health conditions could be allowed to work on ships. The judge has now remanded the suspect in custody.

As Intent wrote, investigators documented at least three episodes. The documents stated that the men could work as a driver, sailor and mechanic on ships. The police detained him in his office while he was handing over the ready-made certificates to a trustee and receiving a bribe.

Анна Бальчінос