Hospital director detained in Odesa for scheme with medical certificates for sailors

In Odesa, law enforcement officers exposed the director of a private medical center suspected of selling fake medical certificates to sailors. According to the investigation, the documents on fitness to work on ships were issued without a medical examination - even for those who were abroad.

This was reported by the press service of the National Police in Odesa region.

According to the investigation, the 74-year-old head of a private healthcare facility certified by the Ministry of Health to conduct medical examinations of seafarers organized a scheme to issue fake medical certificates. The man also headed an expert commission that had the right to confirm the seafarers' fitness for work.

PHOTO: od.npu.gov.ua

Investigators documented at least three episodes. In exchange for money, the hospital director promised to issue the necessary documents to sailors who were outside Ukraine at the time. To do this, he entered false information into patient registration logs about the alleged medical examination, and then filled out and signed medical certificates himself.

The documents stated that the men could work as engineers, sailors and mechanics on ships. For his "services" the suspect demanded 300 dollars and 7,500 hryvnias.

PHOTO: od.npu.gov.ua

The police detained him in his office while he was handing over the ready-made certificates to the seafarers' authorized representative and receiving the bribe. During searches at his place of work and residence, they seized money, a phone, documentation, seals and other material evidence.

The man was served a notice of suspicion of bribery. He faces up to eight years in prison with confiscation of property and a ban on holding certain positions.

PHOTO: od.npu.gov.ua

The issue of choosing a preventive measure and removing him from office is currently being decided. The investigation is ongoing.

Also in May, law enforcement officers uncovered a scheme to extort money from students for passing an exam at one of Odesa's higher maritime educational institutions. During the searches, they found tens of thousands of dollars and euros, as well as envelopes with the names of students and teachers.

Анна Бальчінос